Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
15:34:42
Dear colleagues,
The sitting is open.
I remind members that they should...
Joe! Mister O'Reilly! Joe! Mister Hispán!
I remind members that they should insert their badge before taking the floor. As you begin your speech, please press the microphone button once only.
Colleagues,
The first item of business this afternoon is a current affairs debate on “An urgent call for an immediate end to the humanitarian blockade of Gaza and the reinstatement of the ceasefire”.
The debate is limited to a maximum of 1 hour and 30 minutes. The first speaker is chosen by the Bureau and has 7 minutes now and 3 minutes to respond at the end.
So I call the first speaker, Mr Paul GALLES, to take the floor.
Paul.
Thank you very much, Mister Chairman.
Dear colleagues,
I have a rather difficult mission, in a subject that is politically highly charged and very delicate: to try to get us to converge towards clarity on a single point, the human right to receive humanitarian aid. Nothing more, nothing less.
It is with great emotion and a deep sense of responsibility that I address you today to speak of the tragic plight of the people of Gaza over the past eighteen months, but even more so since a humanitarian blockade was put in place and the ceasefire was broken by Israel last month.
Our Assembly has already expressed its deep concern and dismay at the unimaginable humanitarian crisis that continues to worsen in Gaza, following Israel's response to the horrific attack of 7 October 2023 by Hamas and other terrorist organisations, in which over 1 400 Israeli citizens were murdered in unspeakable conditions.
At the outset, it is very important to reiterate our strong condemnation of the October 2023 attacks and our call, once again, for the safe return of all remaining hostages and the bodies of those who perished in captivity. We were all shocked by the inhumane and degrading treatment to which the Israeli hostages held by the Hamas terrorist organisation were subjected. At the same time, dear colleagues, the treatment to which the Gazans, particularly women and children, are subjected is unspeakable. Last Tuesday's hearing on the current situation in Gaza only strengthened my firm belief in the absolute necessity of helping the people there.
We are watching helplessly as Gaza's infrastructure continues to be destroyed and dismantled, and an unimaginable number of people killed and wounded, many of them children and women. The air strikes carried out since 18 March have already resulted in the deaths of over 1 000 Palestinians, including humanitarian workers. Women and children account for 60% of those killed and 56% of those injured. These deaths are in addition to the more than 50 000 counted since the beginning of the operation in the territory. Behind these figures, let's not forget that every person, every child, has a name, a family and a history.
Yet no more humanitarian aid has entered the Gaza Strip since 2 March. What does this mean?
In concrete terms, the lives of 2 million people are in immediate danger due to the lack of food and water. Palestinians in Gaza are starving and deprived of their most basic needs. They are now trapped and dying in their homeland, with no means of protecting themselves.
Children are forced to beg for a few drops of water. Their schools have been destroyed. Entire families have been separated during mass population displacements and often totally decimated. Patients and medical staff have been trapped and killed in hospitals under fire. These bombardments, whether indiscriminate or targeted, have resulted in the deaths of UN staff, humanitarian workers and journalists.
This prolonged blockade also affects essential medicines. Today, not a single hospital in Gaza is fully operational and able to help. Health care for expectant mothers, for example, is virtually non-existent. Giving birth has virtually become synonymous with giving death. Despite calls for humanitarian medical evacuations, these are virtually impossible to carry out. The mental health consequences of the systematic and targeted attacks on civilians in Gaza will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.
We are appalled by the attacks and restrictions imposed on humanitarian actors, whose sole aim is to provide humane and neutral assistance. The UN, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders have had to make difficult decisions and reduce the number of their international workers and their activities.
Dear colleagues,
As we have seen from our previous discussions on the situation in Gaza, this is a subject that arouses very strong emotions and opinions. Nevertheless, I hope that we can discuss it today with a sense of shared humanity.
Our Socialist colleague Mr Frank SCHWABE said in another debate yesterday: "We are the Council of Europe, we defend human rights and the rule of law. We are the Council of Europe".
After this debate on the absolute humanitarian emergency to which an immediate response should be given, we should, in my opinion, consider the political and legal consequences of the situation over the last eighteen months, particularly with regard to questions of responsibility, non-compliance with the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute, and the way in which this situation may have had repercussions on the very principle of respect for international law and humanitarian law. Our Assembly will have to address these issues sooner or later. Our aim must remain that of promoting a comprehensive and lasting peace resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, together with our valued allies the Knesset and the Palestinian National Council.
In the immediate future, dear colleagues, let us add our voice to the international community's call for all parties to resume negotiations to ensure the rapid, complete and permanent implementation of the ceasefire. Let us also raise our voices to ask Israel, whose Parliament has observer status with our Assembly, for immediate humanitarian access to Gaza.
Even though we are politicians, this debate is not about a political conflict, but about an inhumane humanitarian situation. The people, who are always the first victims and the weakest in a conflict, have an unshakeable right to humanitarian aid.
No more deaths.
Thank you.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
15:43:07
Thank you.
I call now, on behalf of the Group of the European People's Party, Mr Joseph O'REILLY.
Joe, you have the floor.
We cannot hear you.
Have you inserted your badge?
Ireland, EPP/CD, Spokesperson for the group
15:43:28
Thank you, President.
I am honoured to speak on behalf of the Group of the European People's Party.
At the outset, may I again stress our abhorrence of 7 October 2023 Hamas atrocities. We are equally abhorrent of the completely disproportionate and obscene Israeli response.
We have had 18 months of genocide, physical destruction of schools, hospitals and universities and thousands and thousands of homes raised to the ground.
The greatest victims are women and children. This is confirmed by the United Nations (UN) and the International Court of Justice's judgment.
In the last 18 months, more than 51 000 people have been killed and 2.2 million displaced.
On 23 March of this year, 15 emergency responders were killed, as a sideshow if you like, but an abhorrent sideshow. Over 4 000 have been displaced in the West Bank also.
The blockade in Gaza puts 2.4 million people in famine conditions. Since the most recent renewal of hostilities, 1 482 Palestinians have been killed.
So what do we need now? First of all, we need an immediate ceasefire. Then, we need humanitarian aid on a grand scale to go in. We, of course, need the repatriation of the hostages. We need the reconstruction of homes and basic infrastructure. And there's a moral prerogative on us Western European countries to fund that and be at the forefront there. We need to return to normal life in Gaza. If this does not happen, our member states, on our exhortation, will have to take a more radical stance involving sanctions, cessation of military assistance and all the steps necessary to bring about the cessation of hostilities, which I hope can happen shortly through negotiation, which will be the preferred option.
As an international community, we should be building and working towards a functioning Palestinian state with normal structures alongside a functioning Israeli state. That has to be the long-term ambition. But the short-term ambition is to get the ceasefire back in place to get the humanitarian aid in, to restore normal life, to rebuild homes, to rebuild infrastructure, to remove famine, to rebuild schools, universities and hospitals, and to set up a normal society. And what is existing at the moment is an abomination. And our grandchildren will ask us, what did we do about this?
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
15:46:53
Thank you so much
Mr Oleksii GONCHARENKO on behalf of the European Conservatives, Patriots & Affiliates.
Oleksii, you have the floor.
Ukraine, ECPA, Spokesperson for the group
15:47:05
Thank you, Mister President.
Definitely what is going on in Gaza today is an awful tragedy. But each tragedy has those who are responsible for it, and each tragedy has its causes. Who is responsible for all the horror that is happening today in Gaza? It is terrorists from Hamas. It is clear to everybody, everybody knows this. On 7 October 2023, there was an awful terrorist attack by Hamas that started this war. Great, I hear, it is time to rebuild Gaza. Fantastic. How can this be done when Hamas is still in charge there? How can this be done? That is the question today. We cannot turn a blind eye to this, it is impossible.
By the way, I have one more question. We still have Palestine here in our Assembly, as a partner for democracy. With all respect, what is democracy in Palestine? The last elections in the West Bank were in 2005, is that democracy? I will be happy to see democratically elected representatives of Palestine here. But democratically elected. When will it happen? Now it is not the case. It is not the case today.
In Gaza, Hamas is currently ruling. That is what we know. Today we are meeting just hours before a great Jewish holiday, Pesach. At Pesach, all Jewish families should be together, having their Seder together. It is time to give back hostages, they have the right to and they should be with their families today. After 18 months of torture, of the hell they are going through. That is what we need to say, that is what we need to do. Israel is democracy. We are democracy. We need to support those who have the same values as us, with all our forces. It is time to do this, because any other way leads us nowhere. Absolutely nowhere. Terrorists should be destroyed, or put in prison, hostages should go home. That is what should be done. After this, Gaza should definitely be rebuilt. Gaza should be a prosperous, wonderful place, but otherwise it will never happen. All of you know this, no matter what you say.
So I want to say, "Chag Pesach Sameach, Am Israel Chai" ["Happy Passover, the people of Israel live"]. We are with Israel.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
15:49:45
Thank you, Oleksii.
On behalf of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, Baroness Sal BRINTON.
United Kingdom, ALDE, Spokesperson for the group
15:49:55
Mister President,
The attack by Hamas on innocent Israeli citizens on 7 October 2023 was illegal, appalling, and unforgivable.
And under the Statute of the International Criminal Court, the “taking of hostages” constitutes a war crime in both international and non-international armed conflict. Hamas should return the remaining hostages as soon as possible.
It is right for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, with our focus on human rights and the rule of international law, that this debate focuses on the very specific issues relating to Gaza.
UNICEF reported at the end of March that 322 children were dead and 609 injured since the ceasefire ended. That’s a daily average of around 100 children killed or maimed each day.
On 3 April there was an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, at which the Human Rights Chief Mr Volker TURK reported that Israeli military operations have killed more than 1 200 Palestinians since the end of the ceasefire.
He also listed a large number of other humanitarian crises, including the continued blockade of food and medical supplies, with the IDF demolishing previous camps, and forcing further movement of Palestinian refugee families, many of whom cannot find food or water.
Last week the IDF admitted that its soldiers had fired on and killed 15 members of a Red Crescent convoy. The convoy had followed protocol, notified the IDF, used flashing lights, and yet they were all shot dead.
Just this week the international farmers organisation La Via Campesina reported that: “Bread has disappeared from markets; Palestinians are dying from dehydration and untreated wounds; all bakeries and flour mills have been destroyed; fuel, water, electricity and medical supplies remain blockaded.”
This is an engineered famine. 93% of Palestinians are facing acute food insecurity, bringing Gaza to Integrated Food Security Phase Classification 5, extermination by starvation, the highest level of food insecurity, which indicates widespread death due to starvation, extremely critical acute malnutrition, and collapse of livelihood systems.
What is happening in Gaza satisfies the elements of genocide as defined under Article II(c) of the Genocide Convention, that is the “deliberate infliction of conditions of life calculated to bring about the physical destruction of a group in whole or in part.”
There is a route out of this. An immediate release of the blockades and of hostages too, and a ceasefire, and then a longer term aim for a political settlement, with the two states learning to live side by side with equal rights and dignity.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
15:53:00
Thank you.
Thank you, Baroness Brinton.
On behalf of the Group of the Unified European Left, Ms Sevim DAĞDELEN.
Germany, UEL, Spokesperson for the group
15:53:17
Mister President,
Ladies and gentlemen,
We can discuss a lot about the Gaza war and hold many different opinions, but I think everyone agrees on one thing: Israel's war against the Palestinians would not be possible without the support from the West, especially from the USA and its European NATO allies, above all Germany.
Without the weapons from the USA and Germany, without the benefits from the EU, the war crimes of Benjamin NETANYAHU's government, which is in part far-right, would not be possible. The governments of numerous EU and NATO member states are therefore jointly responsible for the breach of international law and the extent of the violations of the human rights of the Palestinians, which can hardly be described as anything other than genocide.
US President TRUMP wants to ethnically cleanse the Gaza Strip together with NETANYAHU. Israel has stopped the delivery of humanitarian aid and is in the process of completely occupying the Gaza Strip militarily.
Shouldn't the governments in Europe, whose give vassal-like support to this murderous course of the USA, be called accomplices, I ask you?
It is a disgrace that such war crimes are deliberately supported by self-declared democrats.
You may not even realise it, but no one will believe a word these people say about humanity, democracy and human rights in the future.
What is most shameful are the rhetorical pirouettes to distort and conceal these facts. The acting German Foreign Minister Annalena BAERBOCK sharply criticises Hungary for withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, while at the same time the incumbent Chancellor Olaf SCHOLZ and the future Friedrich MERZ declare that they will not enforce the arrest warrant against Benjamin NETANYAHU.
But they cannot continue to deceive the people of this world. Over 50 000 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli security forces, 70% of them women and children. Those who continue to supply weapons to Israel also bear responsibility for this. We need an immediate ceasefire and a stop to the supply of weapons. The Palestinians must also have a right to life.
Yesterday, my colleague called for a minute's silence for the children killed in Ukraine. I ask you, colleagues, to stand up today in memory of the thousands of children killed in Gaza and to show our respect for the innocent victims.
Thank you very much.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
15:55:59
Dear colleagues,
Just a moment. At that point, I have said twice in the past, when a colleague, who is respected, wants to ask for a moment of silence, he or she has to first refer to the Secretariat, and then the Presidium will decide. The previous time that happened, I decided that we can have it, if and when it is only up to the President and the Presidium to decide. Please follow this. This is something that I always ask you. With respect to what we have said, we will not hold it now, maybe later. Please let us go on.
Yesterday I was not presiding; it was a mistake by the President. But I have said many times that we should follow some directions. And if we want to follow rules in this room, to respect each other, please respect, first of all, the President who presides at that moment.
Yes, this is exactly what I have said. It was a mistake. Yesterday, it was a mistake of the Presidium. I don't remember the colleague who was presiding. But if you want a moment of silence, you will first have to ask the Secretariat, and then it will be provided. I will not deny that.
But please, let us be logical, if I may. It's not illogical what you have decided or what you have said. But I want the Presidium to decide after your demand, after your proposal. I respect all aspects, but please respect the way that this Assembly has to function.
Okay, you can go on now and ask the Secretariat, and later on we will decide on that. Thank you.
Germany, UEL, Spokesperson for the group
15:57:53
I would support that if this house – like yesterday – because you said that was a mistake by the chair. I was at the debate yesterday. The President himself stood up yesterday.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
15:58:06
You are absolutely right about what happened yesterday.
This is my responsibility.
I have to inform all Vice-Presidents. We have changes in Vice-Presidents.
Yesterday it was a mistake. Not what happened. I mean, not the acceptance of the minute of silence. I do not disagree with the acceptance, but the time, the way that it happened and the procedure followed, was the wrong procedure.
Please, go on with the procedure that I kindly ask you all and I now address to all the colleagues: Whenever you want to ask for a moment of silence, first ask the Secretariat and then the President will decide if and when. This is the procedure.
We are going on now...
Madam Dağdelen, Sevim, I have noted your request.
So we are going now to Ms Saskia KLUIT, who represents the Socialists, Democrats and Greens Group.
Thank you so much.
Netherlands, SOC, Spokesperson for the group
15:59:07
Thank you very much, President.
In January we adopted the report on the humanitarian crisis for women and children in Gaza, looking especially at the dramatic effects for women, children, and the hostages. And we promised then to follow everything that was going on in the area.
Soon after our plenary, a much needed ceasefire was achieved and NGOs could bring in goods, take care of the wounded, bring extra wounded abroad, and dead hostages could be brought home, and luckily alive ones were released.
But here we are again, and the situation is even a bigger disaster than it was before.
The damage to our protective system of international humanitarian law is being tested to the maximum by what is going on in Gaza.
We see this week that Prime Minister Benjamin NETANYAHU proudly sits next to the President of the United States while openly discussing a cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza. We see mass graves of aid workers being discovered. We see recurrence of violence where 100 children a day are either dead or wounded.
This is a nightmare and it is of epic proportions.
I will walk past the main points that we made.
One was full and unconditional transport of humanitarian aid. Israel has failed completely. Not only with the first, implementing the full ban on UNRWA, and secondly, by implementing since 4 weeks the complete and illegal full siege of Gaza. The people are being starved, we are starving 2 million people.
I don't have to remember all of us that hunger as a weapon of war is in very grave violation of international humanitarian law.
Secondly, the protection of safe working conditions for humanitarian workers. We held this week in the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development another hearing with Doctors Without Borders and UK Med. We talked to them in September and we talked to them now.
Due to the full siege, the situation is extremely bad and prospects for the medical system are even worse. The medical goods will go on for another 2 to 3 weeks. And then we see again children being treated without sedation and people being operated without proper care.
We must remember we're talking in large part about children and women.
Full blockage of medical goods requests the strongest condemnation from our Parliamentary Assembly.
At the same hearing we heard witnesses of attacks on humanitarian workers. The message was "it's not decreasing, it is increasing". And the top was the mass grave of aid workers.
And then, last but not least, since the ceasefire broke, no hostage has been released.
The lives of hostages are in grave danger. Most have been released during negotiations and not during war. They suffer also immensely when there is a full blockage. They don't get help, they don't get food, and they get bombed just like anybody else.
So they need to be brought home. And the best way is to relaunch the ceasefire, and fight with all our might for them.
As I want to add up, I think our role is to uphold international humanitarian law and speaking to our governments that they need to act accordingly and, as a reporter, I will go to the Committee of Ministers to discuss upholding international law.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
16:02:48
Thank you, Saskia.
Ms Zeynep YILDIZ is next. Zeynep.
Thank you, President.
Dear colleagues, this institution was born from the rubble of the Second World War and with the shame of the Holocaust, to say never may it happen again. Yet Europe, still burdened by the Holocaust and the genocide in Bosnia, now risks failing to stop another one.
In the very beginning, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East's (UNRWA) former spokesperson, Mr Chris GUNNESS, described the situation in Gaza as a genocide being live-streamed. Over a year later, there is no live stream. Because there is no one left. The journalists, children and women have been killed by Israel. And still, we discuss this issue as a current affairs debate.
Dear colleagues, there is no task more urgent and immediate than stopping, or at least speaking out against an ongoing genocide. It is shameful that we hesitate to use the urgent affairs procedure to condemn the ethnic cleansing in Gaza with a declaration on behalf of this Assembly. As history writes a shameful next chapter, I ask: will you bear the burden of silence?
The ceasefire, achieved with immense effort, was shattered again by Israel. Since 18 March, over 1 200 Palestinians have been killed in renewed airstrikes. One third of them were children, according to UNICEF. Gaza's population is now 90% internally displaced. As of 27 March, women and children represent 60% of the people murdered and 56% of those injured. On 2 April, bakeries supported by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) were shut down. Earlier this morning, Antonio GUTERRES said that more than a month has passed without a drop of aid in Gaza. There is no flour, no water, no electricity in Gaza. Dozens of children have frozen to death in tents. More have died from starvation. Every day, 15 children suffer life-altering injuries. Nearly 40 000 children have been orphaned,1.95 million people face acute food insecurity, 60 000 children are at serious risk of malnutrition. Over 700 000 students... [speaker cut off].
Is it working? Okay, thank you.
UN reports after Israel Defense Force's (IDF) declaration of 64% of Gaza as a military zone, raised fear of permanent displacement for 2.3 million residents. Civilians have nowhere left to flee.
This is not just a tragedy. To be clear, this is domicide, this is sociocide and this is genocide. We must reinstate the ceasefire, lift the blockade, suspend arms transfer to Israel, stop forced displacement of the people of Gaza and prevent illegal settlements in Gaza. We must uphold international law and rebuild Gaza for only its own people.
I sincerely appreciate my colleagues, who wholeheartedly prefer to stand on the side of humanity, for their courage in being just human. Palestine exists. The people of Palestine exist within a two state solution.
From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. Thank you.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
16:06:51
Thank you, Zeynep.
Mr Boaz BISMUTH is next.
Thank you, Mister President.
Maybe I am naive. Maybe I am naive. But I would expect any international institution today, including your honourable institution, where we are very proud to be observant, to call today for the release of the Israeli hostages – 59 hostages – still after in captivity after one and a half years in Gaza. This is what I would expect. I would expect it to be done. You know what? Not every day, not every week, but at least every month. I would expect in every speech, I mean to hear about hostages again and again and again because you know perfectly well that if those hostages were not in the hands of those – how would I say? – modern barbarians, modern Huns, modern vandals, I mean, you wouldn't have a war in Gaza because, as you know, Israel was not even present in Gaza and there would not be a war in Gaza. Yet there is a war because they came to our territory to kill us, to kidnap us, to rape us. But this, apparently, doesn't shock some of your participants in this current debate.
I would like to thank my Ukrainian friend, Mr Oleksii GONCHARENKO, first of all, for his kind words and for reminding us that this weekend is going to be a very precious day for us, for all Jews around the world are going to celebrate our freedom. I mean, we were slaves in Egypt thousands of years ago, and today we are free people. But 59 of us are not free. And you must understand, when you call for Israel to stop a war, in fact, what are you calling for? You're calling for me to forget 59 of my fellow people. Now, I have a duty towards their families, I have a duty towards them. I have a duty towards the Israeli nation. I have a duty towards history to bring them back. How do I bring them back from a terrorist group? You tell me. So all the ones who give me now morale lessons and tell me how I should act, what in fact they are doing is they're telling me to forget 59 of my people.
Now, you know, I heard many things today in some of these speeches right now, but there were some, how would I say, I mean, how come I always wonder how people, I mean, have no problem whatsoever to come and say things which are totally opposite to reality. And I will explain. In January, I was there, I came to see you, of course, in order to speak about the report. I think Ms Saskia KLUIT, the Dutch member of parliament, my Dutch colleague, prepared a report. In this report, we asked, we spoke in the preparation of the report to speak about all the humanitarian aid Israel is giving inside – more than a million and a half tonnes at the time in January. Was there any response? I don't think it was even mentioned in your report. I heard you now speaking about journalists being killed in Gaza. No, no mistake. Journalists from Gaza came to Israel and killed our people. How do I know? They filmed themselves. They were proud of it. When I asked in the report to show it. No, you refused. Not enough proof, of course.
Let's continue. People in Gaza, from hospitals, from mosques, from schools, are keeping our hostages and doing the terrorist acts. Was it in the report? Of course, it wasn't in the report. But I have to tell you one thing that is very important. The claims. The claims of starvation in Gaza are false. Massive amounts of humanitarian aid have entered Gaza. The recent hostage release ceremonies that you have all seen showed that all Hamas members and Gazans present appear to be in good condition, while the only ones who were starved were the hostages. And all the world has seen it.
But it's so easy to speak about genocide. It is so easy to speak about starvation. And the last thing, because, Mister President, the last thing you spoke about, you spoke about humanitarian law because it was mentioned. Under international humanitarian law, in particular Article 23, and I finished on the fourth July Geneva Convention and Article 70 of the first protocol to the Geneva Conventions, a party may take into account security and military considerations and establish necessary technical arrangements and supervision on the entry of goods.
Now, this obligation, I conclude that is also subject to the condition that there are no serious reasons to fear that consignments will be diverted from the civilian destination or otherwise to the advantage of the enemy's military effort. I will conclude by mentioning my Turkish friend, though I will only say that even the microphone couldn't bear our lies.
Thank you very much. Even the microphone couldn't bear our lies. Thank you.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
16:11:24
Don't worry, colleagues.
I believe that I'm just in cases like this.
I now call our colleague Mr Bernard SABELLA to take the floor.
Bernard.
Thank you, Mister President.
The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip resembles depictions of Dante's Inferno.
Statistics of victims of indiscriminate bombings, destruction of medical, educational, water, electricity, welfare infrastructures, and the near famine experienced by thousands of Gazans all speak to the hellish conditions under which the population of Gaza lives today.
This war targets Palestinians because of who they are.
The recent indiscriminate killings of medical personnel together with what is happening in the refugee camps of the West Bank, whether in Nablus, Tulkarm or Jenin, authenticate this.
Thousands have been forced to leave their homes in these refugee camps in an apparent plan by the Israeli authorities to get rid of these camps.
This all in order for the political wish of influential members in the current Israeli cabinet to see not only the Palestinian narrative erased, but also the habitations and inhabitants that remind one of the Nakba that befell our Palestinian people in 1948.
Amidst all this, an opening of hope expressed by no other than the French President Emmanuel MACRON who recently spoke about the possible recognition of France of a Palestinian state this coming June. Mr MACRON's statement is a reminder of the most urgent need for a political solution that would see a Palestinian state living at peace side by side with Israel.
The Palestinian authorities have consistently called for a negotiated agreement based on the two-state solution and the relevant international resolutions and conventions.
The Israeli government instead has gone the other way and deepened the divisions between Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and Palestinians in the West Bank in order to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.
But most important at the moment is to work towards a resumption of the ceasefire that would also free not only the 59 Israeli hostages, who should be with their homes, with their families to celebrate Pesach, but also the thousands of Palestinian children and women living in perpetual fear and experiencing famine and other horrid conditions.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Council of Europe need to heed Mr Macron's statement on recognition of a Palestinian state as a reminder that the values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law should always be coupled by a political will to resolve outstanding conflicts not only within Europe, but also in its neighbourhood, specifically in our case, the tragedy that has befallen Gaza and the persistent and not finished yet, the Israeli Palestinian conflict.
You have a heavy responsibility to that should be exercised in order for Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side in peace in two separate but harmonious states.
Thank you very much.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
16:15:52
Thank you, Bernard.
Next is Mr Michael FARRUGIA.
Chair, dear colleagues,
May I ask you to close your eyes?
Now, I invite you to take yourself to a country, your homeland, an overpopulated land, a land that has been occupied for tens of years. And you dream.
You dream of liberty, freedom, and self-government. You also dream of unanimous UN support for your fellow citizens and your country and the eventual adherence to the UN resolution by all sides.
The resistance in you is no excuse for what happened on 7 October 2023, the attack by Hamas on Israel leading to the killing of hundreds, abuse, and the abduction of hostages, taken away from their families.
Israel had a right to defend itself, but not to create a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a scenario condemned by most international fora, including in this Assembly last January.
Keep your eyes closed. Look around you. What do you see?
Daily bombardments. More than 50 000 of your countrymen killed, mainly women and children, not to mention doctors, nurses, aid workers, journalists.
Tens of thousands of children are either mutilated and or orphaned. More than 115 000 wounded. Thousands missing.
Your home and nearly each and every home in your homeland in rubble, education institutions, hospitals demolished, maternal and reproduction health-care facilities bombed, your country has been flattened.
You and any remaining persons of your family, continuously displaced. You are faced with dire shortages of food, water, medicines, and other much needed humanitarian supplies.
You are now reading a UNICEF report about 1 million children deprived of life-saving aid for weeks on end, much needed aid, blocked from entering your country.
Children around you cannot dream of growing up. They have been robbed of their family, education, healthcare, their home, but also of their dreams.
You can open your eyes now.
You were not dreaming. This is the daily humanitarian crisis of Palestinians living in Gaza. These are human beings we are talking about, not mere numbers, human beings who are also being threatened with their expulsion from their homeland, to build, what is it called? A nice Mediterranean resort?
It is our responsibility, as Council of Europe parliamentarians, to protect the right for all citizens to live safely and free in one’s homeland.
Once again, as Council of Europe parliamentarians, we advocate the immediate release of the hostages, the immediate ceasefire, all humanitarian aid and medical assistance to reach unhindered to all parts of Gaza with immediate effect, the two-state solution, the rebuilding of Gaza for Gazans, peace.
Thank you, sir.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
16:19:26
Thank you, Michael.
Mr Alfred HEER is next.
Alfred.
President, we are discussing the situation in Gaza every session and every time the title is wrong.
Again, we are asking for an immediate end to the humanitarian blockade of Gaza and the reinstatement of the ceasefire. But that's wrong. We should ask for the immediate release of the hostages. That's the root of the problem and nothing else. Gaza is a cesspool of terror that's holding innocent hostages in its grip. Israel stands alone as a democracy in a sea of despotism, yet is slandered while battling an enemy that kidnaps its people and fires rockets at its cities.
The chaos in Gaza is the bloody harvest of Hamas, a terrorist gang that values death over life. These monsters have turned Gaza into a fortress of war, stashing rockets in nurseries, bunkers, hospitals, schools, mosques, all while clutching civilians as shields. And they've got the goal to hold hostages – some daughters, parents, stripped from their homes, caged in tunnels, caged in pipes.
Hamas fires at Israeli towns, and when Israel heads back, they are wailing, "Where is the rage of the Council of Europe when those innocent people were abducted from Israel? Where is the outcry when Hamas hoards aid to fund terror?" I never heard anything about it.
Israel does not crave this war. It pursued peace and pulled out of Gaza in 2005, only to get hostages and rockets in return. Every strike, every soldier that is sent to Gaza is to protect the people of Israel and bring the captives home. Gaza could have been a jewel on the Mediterranean, but Hamas chose hostages and hate over hope. They have chained their own people to misery, and Israel to torment.
The Council of Europe should ask for the release of the hostages. The double standard in this House makes my stomach turn. You are weeping for Gaza's plight from cushy armchairs, ignoring the Israeli families shattered by loss and abduction. Israel fights for its survival. If Hamas freed the hostages and dropped its weapons, peace would dawn tomorrow. If Israel dropped its weapons, we would have a second Holocaust. So, show off your call for restraint. Would you stay calm if your loved ones are rotting in Hamas dungeons?
Stand with Israel. And I don't want to hear any more excuses in this House. The Council of Europe and our body has to ask for the release of these hostages now.
Thank you.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
16:22:44
Thank you, Alfred.
Mr Pierre-Alain FRIDEZ is next.
Pierre-Alain.
Thank you, Mister Chairman.
Dear colleagues,
First of all, I'd like to reiterate a few fundamentals.
I'm in favour of the two-state solution. Israel has the right to exist and to have a state. The Palestinian people have the right to exist and to have a state. The attack perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October 2023 represents an unacceptable and deeply condemnable escalation; an escalation, because the conflict did not begin on 7 October. Finally, I call for the immediate release of all hostages still being held.
Having said this, to clear myself of any prejudiced attitude, I must make a number of observations.
After months of war, indiscriminate bombardments and desolation, after more than a year of blockade, food deprivation, lack of essential medical supplies, tens of thousands of casualties of civilians, women and children, the destruction of hospitals and schools, a territory in ruins, the targeted murder of journalists and humanitarian workers, we thought at the beginning of 2025 that the horror had come to an end. At last, ceasefires, hostage releases, prisoner exchanges, humanitarian aid, access to food. Hope was the order of the day, but then Tzahal resumed its bombardments, with new victims and multiple hardships for the Gazan people. Why is this?
I recently watched the film No Other Land. It's a private film that won awards in Berlin, Nyon and Los Angeles. It won the Oscar for best documentary. It's a film that isn't distributed in the United States. It's a live description of the colonisation policy in Palestine. Palestinian territories and villages are arbitrarily placed in military zones, with the expulsion of the population and the destruction of their homes by tract housing.
In fact, today we have the impression that both in Gaza and in Palestinian territory, NETANYAHOU and his government are aiming to ethnically cleanse these territories. This is totally unacceptable.
I regret the pusillanimous attitude of our Council. A simple topical debate for such a tragedy, which must end without delay. This subject would have deserved at least an urgent debate, with a report and a final vote to reinforce the weight of our demands: an end to the humanitarian blockade, an immediate ceasefire and, Mister HEER, of course, the release of the hostages.
Thank you for your attention.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
16:25:31
Thank you, Pierre-Alain.
Mr Abdurrahman BABACAN is next.
Thank you, Mister President.
Dear colleagues,
For about 19 months, the world has been witnessing a modern-day genocide whose effects will spread to generations. On these platforms and other international platforms, we are sadly experiencing a period of shame that has suddenly rendered meaningless all the civilised norms that humanity claimed to have established after all the hardships it has endured.
Just like in past examples, the effects of what happened in Gaza during this period will also be passed on to generations, and human dignity as a whole will definitely be questioned in the long term.
Moreover, such major ruptures will lead to new long-term ruptures in societies.
Right now, we are using sentences and concepts to justify ourselves, because we are trying to hide the truth and remain silent in the face of what is being done in the short term.
However, this platform could have played a leading role.
This institution, which includes Palestine and Israel as observer members, was established after a series of dramatic events and promised the world a future centred on human rights, human dignity, and democracy with its declaration that it learned lessons from these events. Unfortunately remained under the shadow of blind and shallow narrow pragmatic motives.
Condemning 7 October and finding it unacceptable is one thing, but immediately after that, trying to turn 7 October into a political-military-geopolitical interest for itself and trying to whitewash its systematic and deliberate ethnic genocide policy of dehumanising the future of Palestine specifically by targeting children in particular in a blind manner is totally another.
Why is it so difficult to approach? What happened after October from a just and humane perspective? Is it because a Palestinian or an Eastern or a Muslim who was killed that our conscience and human dignity instincts are not activated? Is it because of historical baggages? Is it because of the incredible circle created by Zionist capital, the media, those who dominate universities and academia, and big corporations that frightens people?
So, let's do something together here.
Let's oppose any situation that harms civilians with the same principle, same determination, and same clarity.
Let's take concrete steps to ensure that hostages and detainees are released, and, at the same time, Israel cannot carry out a single harmful action against civilians in Palestine any more. In a political, military, and legally permanent manner.
Let's enforce our countries to establish a political-military pact among the countries under the roof of the Council of Europe to urgently stop Israel's massacres of civilians, and let's force our countries to stop transferring weapons to Israel and to get sanctions on Israel in social, cultural, political, military, economic, in every sphere of life.
Let's urgently establish a multi-group mission within the Council, with a delegation of different political groups and independent parliamentarians, to control and monitor the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, Rafah, Khan Younis, and other regions.
Thank you so much.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
16:29:05
Thank you, Mister Abdurrahman Babacan.
Annika STRANDHÄLL.
Mister President, dear colleagues, we stand at a critical hour. In Gaza, a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding before our very eyes.
For over a month, not a single convoy of food or medicine or fuel has been allowed in. More than 2.1 million people are trapped, bombed, starved and deprived of basic life necessities. The United Nations Secretary-General warns that Gaza is a killing field, and that civilians are in an endless death loop. With crossings sealed, aid is piling up at the gates while children, women and men suffer inside.
This Assembly cannot meet in Strasbourg and look away as an entire population is strangled by siege. We must act with urgency and we must act with moral clarity. The humanitarian toll in Gaza defies comprehension. Since the conflict started, over 50 000 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 114 000 wounded. Thousands of these are children. Sixty-five per cent of Gaza's land is now effectively a death zone under evacuation orders, with over 280 000 people displaced in the last two weeks alone.
Each statistic is a life. A family, a human story, and a stark reminder of our collective failure to protect civilians. The Council of Europe was founded to prevent such atrocities. For 75 years, our mission has been to defend human rights, democracy and the rule of law. That legacy obliges us to speak out today when we declare "never again" in the aftermath of war. It was not meant to apply only to Europe. Our values have no borders. International humanitarian law is clear. An occupying power must ensure that the population has access to food and medical care. Yet in Gaza, we see the opposite.
Therefore, let us be absolutely clear in our appeal today. The hostages should be released. There should be an end to the humanitarian blockade of Gaza immediately. Open the crossings to food, water and medicine. To hope and life. Restore the ceasefire at once and stop the bloodshed.
Thank you.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
16:32:28
Thank you, Annika.
Mehmet Akalin, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mister President.
Dear colleagues, we stand today at a crossroads of conscience. The humanitarian blockade in Gaza currently in place is not merely a geopolitical strategy. It is a violation of basic human rights and dignity. Innocent civilians, families, children and elderly Palestinians are being deprived of food, water, medicine, safety and killed by bombings every day.
This is not just a crisis, it's a moral failure. We cannot look away. No political aim, no military objective can ever justify the sufferings of an entire population. The deliberate denial of humanitarian aid is a breach of international law and a stain on our collective humanity.
We must remember the rules of war are meant to protect the most vulnerable, not to bend for convenience or be forgotten in silence. We should call on all parties to lift the blockade immediately and allow unfettered access to humanitarian assistance. Aid organisations must be permitted to do their life-saving work without obstruction or threat. Civilians must never be used as pawns in conflict.
Furthermore, we must call urgently for the reinstatement of a ceasefire and to start to work on a two-state solution. Peace is not a weakness, it is the bravest choice in the face of escalating violence. A ceasefire opens the door to diplomacy, to rebuilding and to the protection of human life.
Let us be clear, every day without a ceasefire is another day of unnecessary death and despair. We must demand accountability. We must demand action. And above all, we must demand humanity.
The world is watching, and history will remember where we stood. Thank you.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
16:34:52
Thank you, Mehmet.
Mr George LOUCAIDES is next.
George.
I feel the need to congratulate the speakers on behalf of the political groups, except of course Mr Oleksii GONCHARENKO. And allow me to wonder since when supporting a genocide, the worst crime under international law, is in line with the values of this organisation.
Secondly, I want to express my deep regret for the fact that we are not discussing under urgent affairs debate procedure and we have no resolution and no recommendation, once more.
Dear colleagues, Gaza has been bleeding for 18 months now. Since the collapse of the ceasefire in mid March, Israel's assault has escalated into merciless campaign against the defenceless population.
The death toll has now surpassed 50 000.
Two-thirds of the victims are women and children. At least 1 000 children are killed or injured each week. This is not a war. It is an extermination. It is a genocide. It is the consequence of a deliberate strategy: the decimation of civilian life, the destruction of hospitals, schools, water systems, even refugee shelters.
The health care system has collapsed. 243 UNRWA workers have been killed. Over 90% of Gaza's population has been displaced, many, multiple times, forced to sleep under plastic and rain and ruins. Diseases spread through overcrowded camps without medicine, food, or clean water.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe resolution adopted in January acknowledged the truth. Gaza is collapsing in blatant violation of international law, and Israel has not been held accountable, even though the International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to stop its acts of genocide and the ICC has issued arrest warrants.
Yet nothing has changed because some of us choose silence, while others continuously supply arms and weapons to Israel. Most notably the United States.
The EU and many European member states remain passive, hiding behind vague calls for de-escalation, while at the same time enabling Israel to carry out its genocide.
Thank you, Mister President.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
16:38:13
Thank you, George. Thank you, George.
Ms Seda GÖREN BÖLÜK is next.
Thank you, Mister Chairman.
There is genocide in Gaza, in Palestine. I have to say the word "genocide" several times because we have to keep repeating it, we have to prioritise the genocide in Gaza in one of the world's greatest international institutions. Here. The Council of Europe.
Do you remember the last time you witnessed an ambulance passing by with its siren on? Do you remember the profound respect with which other vehicles cleared the way?
On the morning of 23 March, in images taken in the town of Rafah, ambulances with their lights on came under fire as they moved forward. Fifteen health workers were targeted and killed by Israel. The Israeli army first brazenly denied this, then declared that "there was no co-ordination". However, images published by numerous media outlets prove otherwise. Dylan WINDER, an official of the International Red Cross, said it was the bloodiest attack since 2017.
Dear parliamentarians,
Since 7 October, Israel has killed 210 journalists and directly targeted the press, in violation of international law. In 18 months, it has destroyed 90% of the Rafah settlements. The UN claims that every day at least 100 children have been killed in Gaza since Israel broke the ceasefire on 18 March, bringing the total number of children killed since 7 October 2023 to over 15 000.
Israel's internal situation reflects this: the defence budget has been increased by 75% in one year. At the same time, social spending has been cut, taxes have been raised and public debt has reached 69%. But the murderous Israeli Government allocated 5 billion shekels of coalition funds to its allies. Citizens and politicians alike called this "the greatest theft in the country's history".
Even the Israeli people don't trust their own government. In 2018, 55% of the population thought the country was doing well, while today that figure has dropped to 11%. These are all indicators of the collapse not only of a country, but also of a regime and the international system we have all built together.
Dear colleagues,
Every day, images appear on social media that we would have talked about for days if they had taken place in any part of the world a year and a half ago: funerals of children whose families we don't even know, babies burned in their tents where they sleep starving, children dying of hunger. Just getting used to these images kills the conscience of each and every one of us. The children of Gaza are told to be "courageous" in the face of what they are experiencing; however, this advice of courage is not necessary for them but for those who cannot stand up to the murderers.
The essential thing we must bear in mind is that the lives of Palestinian children are an examination of every politician who has a voice in world politics. That's us.
Thank you very much.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
16:41:41
Thank you, Seda.
Mr Claude KERN is next. Claude.
Thank you, Mister Chairman.
The situation in Gaza is complicated, to say the least, and I regret this.
Israeli bombardments have resumed, causing further destruction and many deaths. Just yesterday, an Israeli air strike destroyed a residential building, killing at least 23 people, including eight women and eight children. At the same time, Israeli hostages remain in captivity. A lasting ceasefire necessarily implies the release of all – and I do mean all – hostages held by Hamas. This point is non-negotiable, and I hope that the talks underway under the aegis of the United States, Egypt and Qatar will indeed lead to the rapid achievement of a lasting ceasefire.
Such a ceasefire is all the more essential and urgent given that Israel imposed a humanitarian blockade on the enclave on 2 March. Since then, the UN has accused the Hebrew state of not letting any aid through to Gaza, while Tel Aviv explains that the goods Israel helped bring into the Gaza Strip before the blockade were hijacked by Hamas. Let's be clear: the terrorist organisation Hamas remains a major obstacle to a definitive ceasefire in Gaza. We need to turn the page and put in place a new form of governance for the Gaza Strip that will promote lasting peace, without Hamas.
The President of the French Republic, Emmanuel MACRON, has announced that France may recognise the Palestinian state at an international conference on the two-state solution, co-organised with Saudi Arabia. This initiative aims to promote peace in the Middle East and encourage mutual recognition between the Arab states and Israel.
The two-state solution, which we have always supported here, remains the preferred solution. However, we must not give the impression that this is a reward for Hamas's terrorist actions. This solution must be agreed with the main players, and it must be accompanied by a reflection on the security of the region as a whole.
It is only when peace is restored and genuine development takes place that Gaza can become the new Riviera of the Middle East, and of course not to satisfy this or that ambition to grab land or wealth. We need a shared political project that ensures peace, security and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
To conclude, I would like to take advantage of this debate to mention the fight against anti-Semitism. Attacks on our Jewish compatriots have increased since 7 October 2023, and this is unacceptable. We must step up initiatives within our member states to ensure that these attacks are met with firm condemnation, and take the necessary steps to organise the protection of our Jewish compatriots.
Thank you for your attention.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
16:44:47
Thank you, Claude.
Mr Sam RUSHWORTH is next.
Thank you.
It’s impossible to speak of Gaza without paying respects to those who lost their lives or were taken hostage in Hamas’ genocidal attack on Israel. I have seen the burned-out remains of a family home whose occupants were killed that day, and stood at the Nova Festival site, where beautiful young people were slaughtered, where they had gathered to dance. And I have met with the brave families of hostages, who continue to campaign for peace. I join their call to “bring them home”.
The return to hostilities makes that less, not more likely. On both sides of this conflict are political leaders who’ve decided that innocent human lives on the other side of the wall are expendable in the pursuit of their aims. In Gaza, those who survive the carpet bombing are at risk of starvation. As reported only today by Reuters:
Neama FARJALLA goes out every day at 6:00 a.m., trekking with her children across the war zone from soup kitchen to soup kitchen in the hope of a bowl of rice.
"If we don't die of airstrikes, we will die of hunger," she said. "When my young son tells me, 'Mama, I want a glass of milk,' my heart breaks.”
Hamas does need defeating, but the blockade of Gaza is not some unfortunate and unavoidable by-product of war. It is a strategy of collective punishment.
That’s not just my opinion. Consider what they say in their own words:
Finance Minister SMOTRICH complained, “Nobody will let us cause two million civilians to die of hunger, even though 'it might be justified and moral, until our hostages are returned'.” – an admission that he views forced starvation as the right strategy for securing the return of hostages.
Mr Ben GVIR, who resigned as national security minister in protest at the ceasefire, has been unanimously re-appointed by the cabinet. Think about that – this is a man who opposed the only deal that has led to the return of hostages, reappointed to continue the aggression.
I know some of the hostages’ families feel betrayed, as their loved ones in Gaza are also put at risk from blocks to humanitarian aid and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) bombardments. They fear their loved ones are seen as expendable in a war that was never about bringing them home.
So, what is the aim? We can only go off what leading figures in the Israeli government say:
Deputy Knesset speaker, Nissim VATURI, of Likud wrote on X, that Israel’s goal is, “erasing the Gaza Strip from the face of the earth". Meanwhile, SMOTRICH told a settler group that “it is possible to create a situation where Gaza’s population will be reduced to half its current size in two years”, adding “It won’t cost too much money”. He clarified this as referring to “voluntary emigration”. But people do not just volunteer to become displaced stateless refugees, conditions force them towards it.
The name for this sort of plan is a matter for legal experts, but what is clear to all of us who believe in human rights is that we cannot be passive about what is unfolding.
I have sat through far too many meetings like this where one after another we stand up and condemn what we are seeing, and nothing changes.
Unless there are actions – actions which are felt – nothing will change.
And I finish with the warning recently expressed by the Palestinian lawyer Raji SOURANI that Gaza is becoming “the graveyard of international law”.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
16:48:16
Thank you, Sam Rushworth.
Mr Christophe LACROIX.
Thank you, Mister Chairman.
Ladies and gentlemen,
If I take the floor today, it's not just to evoke a conflict thousands of kilometers away, no: it's to remind you that behind every figure, every report, every word spoken in this House, there are human lives, there are children, there are families, human beings like you and me, whether Israeli or Palestinian.
The abominable attacks of 7 October 2023 marked a tragic turning point. Since then, the people of Gaza have been living through an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. A truce in January 2025 had allowed a small glimmer of hope with the entry of aid and liberations, but all that has been swept away and the war machine of the Israeli Government and NETANYAHOU has struck again.
Since 2 March, Gaza has once again been hermetically sealed off. No convoys are allowed through: no water, no food, no medical care. And on the night of 17-18 March , more than 400 people were killed in a single offensive. Hospitals are at a standstill, children are dying of malnutrition. This is collective punishment in flagrant violation of international law. We're talking about a flagrant violation of international law.
When I hear some of the comments made here, I find them cynical in the first place, then I find them unworthy, but above all I find them untrue. How is it possible to deny the words of the UN Secretary-General – more than words, observations? How can you deny the findings of independent journalists? How can anyone deny that the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for NETANYAHOU for alleged war crimes? So it's not okay to make revisionist remarks here in this House, and I say so loud and clear.
As if the situation in Gaza wasn't bad enough, violence and instability are just as present in the West Bank. Civilians live in a climate of permanent terror as Israel pursues an illegal occupation, marked by a policy of increased colonisation, massive demolitions and settler violence encouraged by total impunity. So, what do we do?
Ladies and gentlemen, I strongly call for the immediate lifting of the humanitarian blockade on Gaza, the re-establishment of a ceasefire under international supervision, real protection for civilians in Gaza, as in the West Bank, and recognition of the Palestinian state. It's not a matter of politics, it's a matter of coherence and, above all, it's a matter of human dignity.
Humanitarian law knows no borders, and in the face of so much suffering, our silence and inaction would be a form of culpable complicity.
Thank you very much.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
16:51:27
Thank you, Christophe.
Ms Nerea AHEDO.
Nerea, you have the floor.
Thank you, Chairman. I will speak in Spanish.
I don't think we need to repeat the clear condemnation of 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas nor the clear condemnation of Israel's disproportionate response, which has caused death and desolation and forced displacement, and which has destroyed hospitals, schools and homes, as well as attacks on journalists and humanitarian workers. I will not repeat the data, as they have already been discussed.
Today, humanitarian aid cannot get through, so thousands of Palestinians are living without water, food or medicine. We are seeing that the appeals of the United Nations are being snubbed. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is banned from operating in Israel, and just yesterday, six schools were closed in East Jerusalem. In addition, about 200 employees were attacked and almost 200 buildings destroyed, further criminalising any type of humanitarian aid. What is this called? Answer for yourselves.
We had the illusion of a ceasefire, we had an exchange of hostages, prisoners, certain aid was permitted, etc., but what I still can't manage to place a supposed democratic state and a terrorist organisation on the same level. I don't think we can compare the two. We saw it happen, but it was an illusion. During this time, the world has changed, and in this changing world, Israel is much more comfortable. For example, while the International Criminal Court (ICC) sees reasonable motives to believe that Israel has criminal responsibility in this issue, it turns out that Hungary received NETANYAHU with pomp and ceremony and withdrew from the Court, and yet, we are not saying anything about that.
In addition, the United States and TRUMP, who are also whitewashing NETANYAHU and want to turn Gaza into a resort because it would be great for real estate development. The United States, supposedly, has control of the Gaza Strip, is driving out its legitimate inhabitants. What does Israel do about all of this? Well, it proposes an agency for the "voluntary" displacement of Gazans. They can freely choose where to go. What they can't freely do is decide to stay in their own country. The only thing they can choose is to become refugees. And, let me repeat, what is this called? Please, answer for yourselves.
I'd like to know what Israel does, while we stay quiet, with international law, humanitarian law, and human rights.
I think we also need to be alert to make sure that the West Bank doesn't become a second Gaza because that is a real risk. At the same time, we have to require and demand, and not just in words, because we have no resolution today, but we must demand the release of all the hostages, humanitarian aid for Gaza, a permanent ceasefire and complete respect for the territory of Palestine. And we must make sure that the Palestinians have the right to live in peace in their own homes.
Thank you.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
16:54:55
Thank you, Nerea Ahedo.
Thank you.
Ms Sofia AMLOH is next.
Sofia, we cannot hear you. Have you inserted your badge?
Mister President, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is beyond everything. We must remember, the war is not just about rockets and airstrikes. It's about people. About families. Family struggles to survive in impossible conditions. And about children waking up to the sounds of explosions instead of going to school, who are forced to see things that no-one should have to see.
And it's about a world that too often turns a blind eye. Israel's war in Gaza continues and the humanitarian situation worsens daily.
Not a single truckload of emergency aid has been allowed into Gaza for over a month. While the food in the market is running out.
Words are no longer enough to describe what is happening in Gaza.
We risk soon having a situation with hundreds of thousands of people starving while we watch.
More than 500 health workers have been injured. UN staff, journalists and aid workers are being murdered. It has been discovered that 15 rescue workers have been murdered by Israel soldiers and then thrown in a mass grave.
I urge all institutions, including all governments, to strongly push in the UN and the EU for an emergency ceasefire in Gaza and demand that the outside world use all available political and economic means to reach it.
Mister President, I stand here in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and refuse to look away or remain silent.
I refuse to face the suffering of the Palestine people with indifference.
I'm a Social Democrat and I'm fighting for the peace, for solidarity and for the equal value of all people. It is the only way forward.
And I can't believe that I need to say these words, but the killing of innocent children must stop now.
Thank you.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
16:57:45
Thank you, Sofia.
Mr Cemalettin Kani TORUN is next.
Thank you, Mister President.
Dear colleagues,
For decades, Israel has targeted the lives, properties, and fundamental freedoms of the Palestinian people in order to achieve its Zionist ambitions over Palestine. However, since 7 October 2023, these Zionist policies have escalated into one of the largest genocides of the century. With over 50 000 people ruthlessly slaughtered in front of the entire world. The murderous NETANYAHU government has shown no hesitation in targeting schools, hospitals and offices of international organisations. With the killing of more than 20 000 children, a war crime has already been committed. Emboldened by the silence of the world, the NETANYAHU government continues to add new massacres to its list every day.
While nearly all the people of the world have called on their governments to take action for Palestine, unfortunately, Zionist lobbies around the world have prevented decisive steps from being taken. Now, I would like to pose the following question to all my colleagues. Despite the support of our people, why have we been unable to stop the greatest massacre of the 21st century? Why have the intergovernmental organisations like the United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) been unable to impose sanctions on the State of Israel?
There are two possible answers to this. Either the European states who claim to lead the world are powerless to stop the State of Israel or Europe, which claims to be the founding entity of universal human rights and insists on never compromising on justice and human rights when it comes to its own citizens, has chosen to remain silent in the face of this massacre.
Dear participants,
Despite the ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchange, Israel has resumed its attacks. As stated by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio GUTERRES, Gaza has turned into a field of death. We have all witnessed human bodies being blown into the air by bombings. We have all seen how the Red Crescent (IFRC) teams, labeled as terrorists by Israel, were targeted while their sirens were on. Israel is lying to the world, deceiving everyone. There is no access to medical supplies, food or even water.
It is now imperative that we find an urgent solution to this issue. The continuation of this barbarity is the responsibility of all world governments. Those who talk about hostages, don't forget that Israel actually broke the ceasefire agreement and started attacks again, and stopped prisoner exchange. The recent proposal for the forced evacuation of Gaza should not be accepted and will remain rejected. We must not allow an occupation plan to be implemented before the eyes of the entire world.
I call upon all representatives of member states to take concrete and lasting steps for an urgent solution.
Long live Palestine.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
17:01:33
Thank you, dear colleague.
Mr Mustafa CANBEY is next.
Dear President,
Distinguished colleagues,
I would like to start by expressing our deepest condolences for all the innocent people who have lost their lives in Gaza, especially children, women, and civilians caught in the middle of this tragedy.
What we are witnessing is a humanitarian catastrophe. Families have been torn apart. Houses, schools, and hospitals were completely destroyed. The most painful thing is that children who should have enjoyed a peaceful childhood in their own lands have lost their lives in indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks by the Israeli Government. Each child lost is not just a number, but a deep wound in the conscience of the world.
The cry of every grieving mother has gone beyond the border of Gaza. These are not merely expressions of sorrow. They are urgent calls for humanity, justice, and international responsibility.
As Türkiye, we have always emphasised the importance of the value of human rights. Every person, regardless of their geography or identity, is honourable and deserves a life filled with protection and peace.
Achieving lasting peace is only possible through a just solution that recognises the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. A true and lasting peace can only be achieved when the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people are fully respected.
It is essential that humanitarian aid reach those in need promptly and without any obstacles.
The protection of civilians must be an undisputed priority.
When will the international community take united and courageous action? When will it hear the desperate cries of the Palestinians echoing in the sky?
In conclusion, I urge everyone to awaken their conscience. Let us unite our voices in outright condemnation of this massacre, which is utterly unacceptable to our moral sense. We must speak for those who cannot express themselves. Ignoring this issue is not an option.
Behind every piece of news and every statistic lies a child, a mother, a life that deserves our attention and action. They are people with dreams and have the right to live just like us. We should all hear their cry.
Thank you.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
17:04:59
Thank you, Mustafa.
The last speaker is Mr Emmanuel FERNANDES.
Emmanuel, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mister President.
Over three weeks ago, Israel deliberately broke the ceasefire with a massive bombardment of the Gaza Strip. Since then, thousands of Gazans have been killed, the majority of them women and children, and several hundred wounded. More than 50 000 civilians, including 20 000 children, have been killed by Israel in the genocidal war it has been waging in Gaza for eighteen months now.
These massacres, in addition to the weeks-long embargo on humanitarian aid and the demands made on Gazans to leave the enclave, attest to the continuation of the ethnic cleansing of Gaza launched by Benyamin NETANYAHOU with the support of the United States.
By breaking the ceasefire, the far-right Israeli government is showing its disregard for the hostages still held by Hamas, whose families are denouncing this breach of the ceasefire.
In the face of the Israeli government's constant denial of international and humanitarian law, it is our duty, from this institution charged with defending and protecting human rights and humanitarian law, to demand that our respective states take firm action; In particular, my country, France, also a permanent member of the UN Security Council, must act urgently, notably by supporting sanctions and an embargo on weapons supplied to Israel, and by affirming that it will apply the decisions of international justice against the leaders subject to arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court, including Benyamin NETANYAHOU.
Yet a few days ago, despite the fact that France is legally bound to cooperate fully with the investigations and prosecutions of the International Criminal Court, NETANYAHOU was reportedly allowed to fly over French airspace, even though this plane was forced to take a 400 km detour to avoid overflying the Netherlands, Iceland and Ireland, which were themselves threatening to respect their international commitments by arresting the fugitive.
International law and justice must apply everywhere, in the Middle East, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo and elsewhere.
But yesterday, at last, French President Emmanuel MACRON declared that France would finally recognise the State of Palestine, probably by June; and this morning, the President of the French National Assembly, Yaël BRAUN-PIVET, finally withdrew her unconditional support for the State of Israel.
In France, the pressure exerted over the past eighteen months by my political movement, France Insoumise, but also by hundreds of associations and collectives, by NGOs, by a large section of society and in particular students whose mobilisation I salute, particularly here in Strasbourg, this pressure is paying off.
We won't give up. It is in the name of universal humanity that we are fighting for an end to the genocide in Gaza, for the release of prisoners and hostages, for an end to colonisation and for peace between peoples.
Thank you for your support.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
17:08:05
Thank you, Emmanuel.
Dear colleagues, from our colleague, the first speaker, Mr Paul GALLES, I received the following request.
"Dear President, on the occasion of this debate, I would like to ask for a minute of silence for all the victims of the horrendous attacks of 7 October 2023 and for the tens of thousands of innocent lives which have been destroyed in the aftermath."
I agree with the request and I ask from all the colleagues to stand up for a minute of silence.
Thank you.
I now call Mr Paul GALLES to reply to the debate.
Dear Paul, you have 3 minutes.
Thank you very much, Mister Chairman.
And thank you to all the speakers, to whom I've listened attentively.
Thank you also for all the important elements that complete the picture of our debate.
Of course, this debate has a deep political and emotional dimension. Allow me to repeat a number of things I said at the outset, which I hope to be able to repeat on behalf of our Parliamentary Assembly.
First: we strongly condemn the attacks of October 2023.
Second: we repeat once again our call for the safe and dignified return of all remaining hostages and the bodies of those who perished in captivity. How indignant we were at the parade of the four coffins of the dead hostages, organised during the first phase of the ceasefire!
Third: we deeply condemn the systematic destruction of Gaza and its inhabitants.
Fourth: we want all those responsible for this tragedy to go to prison, on all sides.
Let me add one more thing: Hamas is not Palestine, Palestine is not Hamas. Israel is not government policy, government policy is not Israel.
It's very complex and much more complex. What does that mean?
Wishing our Jewish friends a very happy Passover - and we do so from the bottom of our hearts - does not mean that we don't want an immediate ceasefire. Perhaps taking a political stand in favour of Israel will never lead us not to want an immediate ceasefire. Looking for those responsible at all levels, including those who delivered the weapons, will never take our eyes off the first and most basic needs we are invoking together today.
Please cease fire and lift the humanitarian blockade.
Please avoid at all costs the deaths of people, aid workers, journalists and everyone else.
Please avoid traumatising the young people and children of Gaza: they will be the adults of tomorrow.
Please create the conditions for a future for us all.
Seeing the young people here in our audience, I agree with Joseph's words: "What will we tell our children and grandchildren about this situation afterwards?"
The wisdom of the Council of Europe is to plead, beyond all political differences, for the most holy and dignified thing there is: the human right to live and survive.
And that's why I repeat: please cease fire and lift the humanitarian blockade now.
Thank you, Mister President.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
17:12:51
Thank you.
Thank you, Paul.
Dear colleagues,
I remind you that at the end of a current affairs debate, the Assembly is not asked to decide upon a text, but the matter may be referred by the Bureau to the Responsible Committee for a report.
The next item of business this afternoon is a debate on “Interconnections between the Council of Europe and the European Political Community” (Doc. 16128).
The item will be presented by Mr Zsolt NÉMETH, the leader of European Conservatives, Patriots & Affiliates, on behalf of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy.
Mister Németh, I call you to take the floor when you are ready.
In the meantime I want to inform you that the debate will conclude by 6:00 p.m.
Mister Németh, when you are ready, you can take the floor.
You know that you have 7 minutes now and 3 minutes at the end to reply to the debate.
Mister President,
Dear colleagues,
I am honoured to stand before you today to open this debate on the interconnections between the Council of Europe and the European Political Community.
This topic is of paramount importance as we navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of our continent at a critical time. A new European political architecture is just coming into existence, similarly to the changes in 1989.
Firstly, let us acknowledge the context in which the European Political Community was established.
In May 2022, President Emmanuel MACRON proposed this initiative as a response to the evolving European landscape marked by the war of aggression in Ukraine and new applications for EU NATO membership.
The EPC aims to foster political dialogue and co-operation among European leaders, both from EU and non-EU countries, on an equal footing to address common challenges and strengthen the security, stability, and prosperity of the Europe of 46 countries.
I want to stress the specific nature of the EPC.
The EPC is a non-institutionalised and flexible forum for political co-ordination and dialogue. It is not another intergovernmental organisation even if some level of institutionalisation is discussed.
Also, the EPC is a place to discuss geopolitical issues.
At the highest level and at regular intervals twice a year, the leaders of European states seem to enjoy and exploit these opportunities not existing before.
Since its inception, the EPC has held five summits focusing on critical issues such as peace, security, economic competitivity, prosperity, energy, resilience, migration, enlargement of Western structures, and democracy in general.
As you will remember, Hungary hosted the last EPC summit on 7 November 2024. This summit was a highly successful diplomatic event, the largest actually in Hungarian recent history, as it gathered leaders from over 40 European countries and top representatives of organisations.
Non-EU leaders, like Presidents ERDOĞAN and VUČIĆ, got opportunities to address colleagues on an equal footing.
The summit focused on pressing security challenges, including Russia's war in Ukraine, the Middle East conflict, migration issues and, economic security. It highlighted that it was time to restore truth and peace, stop illegal migration, and revitalise the European economy.
Since the beginning, the EPC summits have provided a unique platform for high-level dialogue and strategic discussions, complementing existing frameworks without replacing them.
Indeed, the EPC doesn't replace either EU or the Council of Europe.
The Council of Europe, with its 46 member states, is a cornerstone of European multilateralism, dedicated to promoting democracy, human rights, and rule of law. The Council of Europe, in addition, has had a key role in the EU enlargement process since 1990, the last major shift in the European political architecture.
Let me stress that it is also a political body, a political community. As we are in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe as well. Our Assembly is a perfect illustration of that dimension which should be strengthened and deepened.
European unity is fundamentally needed. A pan-European scope aligns closely with the EPC's geographical reach, highlighting the potential for synergies and co-operation between the two organisations.
The participation of the Council of Europe in the last two EPC summits in London and Budapest underscores the growing recognition of the need for institutional collaboration.
To further strengthen these interconnections, I propose several key actions in the report.
First, ensuring the Council of Europe's systematic participation in EPC summits to channel its expertise in human rights and democracy.
Second, there should be a format for dialogue with the Council of Europe on strategic issues. Also, there should be operational co-ordination when needed.
Finally, the EPC should make full use of Council of Europe expertise and instruments, such as the future Council of Europe Democratic Pact, which I believe can be an extremely central and important collaborating ground between the two organisations.
In conclusion, colleagues, the interplay between the Council of Europe, the EU, and the European Political Community is not about duplication but about complementarity.
European defence capability development, the much discussed Defence Union in the framework of the European Union is important, but we should not forget about diplomacy either.
We shouldn't forget that, for example, 1989-1990 was preceded not just with the efforts of the United States and Ronald REAGAN in the military field, but also the process which started in 1975 in Helsinki. The Helsinki Process, which was a fundamentally diplomatic exercise.
Today we should keep in mind that the military activity of the Western players in politics should be complemented with a diplomatic activity as well in order to build a successful future political architecture for Europe.
By fostering closer ties, we can create a more robust and resilient European architecture, better equipped to face the challenges of our time to foster dialogue and peace on the continent.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
17:21:23
Thank you, Zsolt.
On behalf of the political groups, I will start with Mr Norbert KLEINWÄCHTER, onn behalf of the European Conservatives, Patrons and Affiliates.
Germany, ECPA, Spokesperson for the group
17:21:37
Honourable Chair, dear colleagues, dear Mister rapporteur,
it is a notable detail that Emmanuel MACRON, the President of France, suggested the creation of the European Political Community (EPC) at the final session of the Conference on the Future of Europe. That conference, which was to serve to integrate the European Union (EU) even further, to hand more power to EU bureaucrats and to take away democracy from citizens, led to the insight that this concept does not work because the European Union over-taxes, over-regulates and over-burdens member states. Especially still independent nations, simply do not wish to be over-taxed, to be over-regulated or to be over-ruled.
So, interestingly enough, the European Political Community was created to do more or less the same things that Robert SCHUMAN had envisaged for the European Community in the first place. Namely economic co-operation, diplomacy, safety and security in the face of a threat from Russia. The European Union has really developed a way, actually openly denying the values of the European Community, and so now this uncommitted structure of co-operation in the European Political Community has become necessary, even though we still see few to no results. The websites, when you try to look at them, have been shut down and there are no declarations whatsoever.
Which leads to the question, do we need another expensive summit where our politicians fly there just to talk? Even if, or especially if, this new community unites the same countries as those that are already in the Council of Europe? And I think the answer is yes. As our country leaders no longer travel to the ministerial meetings of the Council of Europe, as they do not even travel to EU summits, as we saw in Hungary when they wanted to disapprove of ORBÁN, but they did come to Budapest for the European Political Community group photo, which is excellent.
So, I would like to thank the rapporteur for the excellent work that he has done describing the role of the Council of Europe in the report, and especially in this new construction. Our task is to defend democracy, human rights and the rule of law. That is what we have to concentrate on. That is where we must not retaliate from. That is where we need to be honest to ourselves.
The European Union can deal with economic issues. The European political Community can especially deal with the topic of safety and security in the face of the threat from Russia. And we, as the Council of Europe, we can do our homework on democracy and the rule of law, where there are indeed deficits. When France bans Madam LE PEN from running in the presidential elections, when Poland is to close two TV stations, and when in Germany you get jailed for seven months for just criticising the government in a satirical ex-post, then there really is a lot of work to do.
Accession countries to the European Union, which are both organised in the Council of Europe and in the EPC, will only respect the values of democracy if we ourselves respect them. Let us return to that.
Thank you.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
17:24:48
Thank you, Norbert.
One behalf of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, Mr Claude KERN.
Claude.
Thank you, Mister Chairman.
I would like to thank our colleague Mister Zsolt NÉMETH for his draft resolution, which highlights the potential for interconnections between the Council of Europe and the European Political Community to strengthen unity on our continent.
Allow me to recall the context in which the European Political Community was created in 2022, on the initiative of French President Emmanuel MACRON. The EPC was created first and foremost in response to Russian aggression against Ukraine. It is an informal and flexible structure designed to enable pan-European dialogue on security issues, in particular, within a broader framework than that of the European Union.
As our colleague Zsolt NÉMETH's resolution rightly points out, the Council of Europe and the EPC pursue distinct objectives. The main aims of the Council of Europe are to promote democracy, protect human rights and guarantee the rule of law in Europe. Moreover, the Council of Europe is an institution with several bodies and formalised procedures. On the other hand, the EPC, which does not replace any institution, is a platform for co-operation between Heads of State and Government that does not include national parliaments, and which aims to promote mutual co-operation projects within a broader framework than that of the Union.
For my part, I believe that these two institutions, which are very different in both their organisation and their objectives, should complement each other. The European Political Community is a young body which should help to strengthen co-operation between the member states and the European Union, on the one hand, and non-member states on the other. To this end, it can draw on the Council of Europe's seventy-five years of experience, history and expertise, as well as its institutionalised and competent structures.
On 17 May 2024, the Committee of Ministers recalled the Council of Europe's unique set of instruments designed to give full support to candidate and potential candidate countries for EU membership. It also underlined the Council of Europe's role as a benchmark for human rights, the rule of law and democracy in Europe.
To ensure synergies between the two institutions, it is essential that future host countries of the biannual CPE summits continue to invite the Secretary General of the Council of Europe. This participation strengthens dialogue on strategic issues and ensures that the Council of Europe's work, particularly on democratic security issues, is fully integrated into EPC discussions.
Complementarity between the Council of Europe and the European Political Community is not only possible, it is essential. By creating interconnections and strengthening dialogue, we can build a stronger, more resilient and more united Europe.
I therefore support today's motion for a resolution. I fully support it.
Thank you very much.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
17:27:54
Thank you, Claude.
One behalf of the Group of the Unified European Left, Mr Emmanuel FERNANDES.
France, UEL, Spokesperson for the group
17:28:00
Thank you, Mister President.
The creation of the European Political Community by French President Emmanuel MACRON raises a number of questions as to its necessity and legitimacy. Some of these questions are addressed in the report before us, but others deserve to be examined in greater detail.
If the aim of the EPC was to discuss economic issues or military co-operation, the OSCE already offered an appropriate framework. If the objective was to discuss issues relating to human rights, democracy and the rule of law, then the Council of Europe is the dedicated institution. It is therefore legitimate to ask what point there is in creating a new forum such as the CPE, rather than reinforcing these existing structures.
The EPC was initiated by Emmanuel MACRON against the backdrop of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine. And yet, as Mr NÉMETH's report emphasises, security is a global concept that relies heavily on respect for democratic processes, human rights and the rule of law, themes at the heart of the Council of Europe's work. Moreover, our Assembly has been working extensively on the subject of Ukraine for three years now, and the 4th Council of Europe Summit in Reykjavik, attended by heads of state and government, was largely devoted to this issue.
So I repeat my question: why create a new space, the EPC, instead of strengthening what already exists?
With my Group for the United European Left, we question the legitimacy of Macron's initiative. Firstly, in terms of substance, because the fact that the issue of EU enlargement is being addressed in a framework that is not that of the European Union is questionable, disregarding the "invaluable role of the Council of Europe in the enlargement process", emphasised in the European Parliament resolution on institutional relations between the EU and the Council of Europe, which was adopted on 18 April 2023.
As far as form is concerned, the European Political Community has no democratic basis, in the sense that it is disconnected from the citizens, even though we have a Parliamentary Assembly in which we sit. Few citizens are even aware of the EPC's existence, as journalists take little interest in it and summit reports are not readily available. This poses a problem of transparency. Furthermore, the composition of the EPC raises questions: why are Monaco, the Kingdom of Andorra and the Republic of San Marino, three Council of Europe member states, not included in the EPC?
We must ensure that the response to European crises does not result in the multiplication of ad hoc structures, quangos whose primary objective is to serve the egos of those who initiate them. Let's not give in to President MACRON, who wants to create his own frameworks to meet his communication plans rather than the needs of co-operation and dialogue. Creating new frameworks rather than building on existing institutions weakens rather than strengthens the European architecture.
My Group of the Unified European Left advocates strengthening legitimate institutions such as the UN, the OSCE and the Council of Europe, heirs to historical constructs which, while always perfectible, are themselves the guarantors of respect for international law and balance. We denounce these parallel organisations such as the G20, the G7, or here the European Political Community.
Our thanks to you all.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
17:31:26
Mr Gerardo GIOVAGNOLI on behalf of the Socialists, Democrats and Greens Group.
San Marino, SOC, Spokesperson for the group
17:31:30
Thank you, President.
The 2022 proposal by President Emmanuel MACRON, as the rotating president of the Council of the European Union, to establish a European political community represented and continues to represent an ambitious attempt to create a forum for co-operation among European states and not only those that are members of the EU, such as San Marino who is also present, to tell the truth, but also the United Kingdom, the Western Balkans and other European nations.
This attempt to have all these countries discuss important policy issues and common challenges such as security, migration, climate change, and economic co-operation in the same forum is the most advanced attempt to date. It fosters dialogue among nations and is a new possibility to reduce tensions and prevent conflicts. In particular, it is positive that Ukraine is part of the European security discussions and that Türkiye is also present, which is an ever-active player, important for our continent, but also because of its location near a geopolitical zone that is crucial for the stability of the whole world.
It must be recognised that for many of the challenges, for the current ones more and more, it is necessary to discuss, to confront, to find compromises that can overcome the initial positions, which are often only valid at the national level. The political community helps European countries on this path. Thus, the EPC has great potential if it becomes an instrument that deals with topics clearly not relevant to other existing multilateral bodies and if its decisions do not contradict them, because the overlap of participants must not come to the overlap of functions and purposes.
Two specific possible problems must therefore be averted.
The first is that the EPC does not become a duplication of the Council of Europe, since the participating countries are basically the same in both bodies and the topics on the agenda may coincide with those dealt with in our Organisation.
The second is that there are multiple processes underway for the EPC countries to join the European Union. Their membership in the latter should not be confusing or stumbling blocks for those processes.
In particular, this must apply to the Western Balkans, which have been applying for EU membership for more than 10 years, North Macedonia even for 20 years, just as it must apply to Ukraine and Moldova.
It is clear now more than ever the importance of having the Western Balkans in the EU, so the process must be accelerated and not possibly hindered by membership in the EPC. The latter, if anything, must be considered and play the role of facilitator of these processes.
Ultimately, the recommendation is that the interconnection between the Council of Europe and the EPC, which is absolutely opportune, should proceed in a way that avoids the overlapping slowdowns reported, rather than on a tool to make Europe at large more cohesive, incisive, capable of making decisions even on strategic and sensitive issues, and, from our point of view, also a tool to strengthen our values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Its long-term effectiveness will depend on the ability of members to find common ground and develop a functional operating model especially with the Council of Europe.
Thank you.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
17:34:42
Ms Yelyzaveta YASKO on behalf of the Group of the European People's Party.
Ukraine, EPP/CD, Spokesperson for the group
17:34:49
Dear colleagues,
Last year, I've heard many times many of our European colleagues saying, we will make decisions after the American elections, after someone else in United States is elected, and then we will try to follow up with our policies.
Since recently, I think I don't need to explain why many European member states became more aware of the importance to act independently without any other elections in other parts of the world.
Me personally, I've been stressing the importance of a European vision and unity for many years in my work as a parliamentarian, and I've been in the Ukrainian parliament for almost 6 years, and only recently I am seeing that real actions are actually taking place.
And I'm very happy that the political community, the European Political Community, is one of the initiatives that actually provide some institutional strength to Europe. But I also do share a concern that this organisation, this platform, should be a collaboration between different European institutions, like us, the Council of Europe, that already exist.
I'm very happy that in this report we exactly discuss this, because if we are talking about the values of democracies, we need to have the Council of Europe as the core in this dialogue.
There are many, many dangers and threats to democracies that we discuss here. And I really hope that through more independence of different European member states, through a more shared European vision, we can make Europe much stronger.
This is very much needed. I don't need to explain why, and it should go also with security measures, with economical measures, and also with cultural measures.
We shouldn't ignore culture, as in the end of the day this is something that shapes all of us and makes us united or not.
We should listen to each other and co-operate with different European institutions.
And I really hope that in the years to come we will be stronger and we will have a stronger and stronger Europe.
We really need that.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
17:37:24
Thank you, Yelyzaveta.
Ms Dunja SIMONOVIĆ BRATIĆ.
Ms Elvira KOVÁCS is here?
Ms Isabelle RAUCH?
Mr Vladimir ĐORĐEVIĆ?
Ms Bernadeta COMA?
Bernadeta, you are a solution now.
The establishment of the European Political Community in June 2022, at the meeting of the European Council, takes place in a new geopolitical context in which Europe faces many challenges.
In fact, the European Political Community is an informal platform for intergovernmental co-operation and dialogue between Europe's top leaders from member and non-member states of the European Union.
From the outset, there have been divergent views on the use and purpose of the European Political Community, and on its links with the Council of Europe, an institution with a long history of political activity dating back to the end of the Second World War. However, the EPC and the Council of Europe do not have the same objectives.
Nor is it an international organisation. It is not institutionalised. It was created for specific purposes that are different from, but also complementary to, those of the Council of Europe, or even the European Union.
I support the report and the draft resolution on the interconnections between the Council of Europe and the EPC.
The head of Andorra's government has taken part in various CPE summits, in Moldova, Spain, the United Kingdom and Hungary, contrary to what Mr FERNANDES says. For our country, it's a great satisfaction and opportunity to be able to take part in these informal summits and contribute to the defence of common European values.
Why is this forum positive? It offers the opportunity to hold high-level bilateral meetings that would not have been possible in other settings. Its informal nature enables sensitive issues to be addressed and advanced that could not be debated in institutionalised formats because they would be divisive. It enables alliances and synergies to be forged between all or some of the countries on the European continent, and to debate key issues and common challenges.
What's more, in this fast-changing geopolitical landscape, the interconnections between the Council of Europe and the EPC are necessary and will help create a common front in Europe, where all states will be taken into account with their specificities and current issues. This is a clear message of unity and co-operation for the whole of Europe in a changing context.
And, finally, the role of the Council of Europe must also be strengthened so that it becomes more proactive in discussions on the European political context, so that it better protects democratic security in Europe and fights against expectations to human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
Thank you for your attention.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
17:41:02
Thank you, Bernadeta.
Mister President,
It is the right time to discuss not only the pressures facing democracy, but also the ability of institutions to shape real outcomes in a rapidly changing and conflict-prone world.
Since the launch of the European Political Community, the global situation has become more tense and fragmented. Instead of lasting peace and greater prosperity, we have seen a multiplication of risks, confrontations, and geopolitical shocks. The world has not become more peaceful, and in many places, even friendship has become politically difficult.
This reflects a broader concern: institutions are struggling to manage complexity, support transitions, and most importantly prevent fragmentation and conflict. As we expand institutional platforms, we must ensure they are not only inclusive, but effective in delivering peace and prosperity. Citizens are right to expect not just structures, but substance. The problem is not that Europe lacks institutions, it is that they are no longer shaping positive outcomes as expected.
Dear colleagues, there are key expectations for the co-operation we are discussing.
First, the most valuable achievement of the Council of Europe remains the pan-European conventional system for the protection of human rights. Halting the erosion of this system and preserving it must remain a strategic mission.
Second, it is essential that this co-operation helps reverse the trend of rising authoritarianism across the continent. There is a choice: either to become a principled and determined platform in confronting this trend or to continue painful compromises that only weaken the democratic world.
Third, this kind of co-operation offers a unique and timely format for genuine dialogue among equals, going beyond EU membership status. This inclusive environment enables meaningful participation and mutual recognition. Such dialogue can bring EU candidates closer to membership and, for others, foster a more realistic and engaging vision of the European dream through co-operation, solidarity, and shared values.
Fourth, any co-operation must place peace at its centre. In a world with a peace deficit, it must be restored through diplomacy, the rule of law, trust, and responsible leadership. And in regions like ours, still facing risks of renewed confrontation, peace must be built also on geopolitical stability, respectful dialogue with neighbours, mutually beneficial regional co-operation, and above all, on working international guarantees and credible national security mechanisms.
Mister President, there is a historic need to continue being architects of peace. And in this regard I would like to thank the rapporteur for this debate, which is not only a moment of reflection, but also a moment of recommitment.
Thank you.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
17:44:19
Thank you, Armen.
Mr José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA is next.
Press it once and wait for a second.
Now.
Mister President, thank you.
With all due respect to our French colleagues, I do not know whether this initiative taken by President MACRON really has a European dimension or interest, or if it is more about President MACRON in fact. Is it more about himself, him wanting to play a role that will be remembered, that will go down in Europe's history? I do not know, quite honestly, but I have a lot of doubts let's say, taking into account the personality of President MACRON.
I think it is fairly well known that he did try to reach agreements on a bilateral basis in connection with the war in Ukraine with President PUTIN, with the Russian Federation, in which he failed. I can also see that he is trying to play a role here as a leader. He wants to lead this procedure regarding the situation in Ukraine, the invasion by Russia. He is trying to take the lead on this case. All of that leads me to have a lack of trust. I mistrust the initiative. I am not even referring to his most recent idea to set up a European armed force that would be battle-ready in Ukraine. I do not think that is going to lead to anything in practical terms, notwithstanding the support he might be receiving from the UK, but I think that is pretty much it.
We are not against the idea of a European Political Community (EPC), for it to exist, and for it to be an informal formation. It has been informal so far. We are not opposed to it continuing in that way, but obviously we do not want traditional diplomacy to disappear altogether. The rapporteur, Mr NÉMETH, quite rightly raises this issue in his report.
We ought to understand that maybe it is an advantage, an asset, to have this kind of arrangement. It is true that it can be a forum where we listen, where we listen to nations that are not normally so close to us, maybe outside of the EU. Some of them continue to be present, not all of them, but many of them are here in the Council of Europe. The United Kingdom (UK), Türkiye or Azerbaijan, and in a somewhat unusual situation, Ukraine of course, among others who are candidate countries for the European Union (EU). So far, they have not succeeded down that path, but it brings those together as well.
Finally, I also wanted to talk about the strategic aim being pursued by Europe. Initially we had some conversations about military aspects then it was expanded to other things, but of course that dilutes the initiative. President TRUMP has reminded his allies that we need to make more of a contribution, our budgets need to go towards defence, we need to spend more money on defence. Obviously, I understand there needs to be a reaction to that as well. In terms of our military autonomy, how is that possible without the United States of America (USA)? What about collective security here in Europe? I want to remind you that President TRUMP has never said that he would walk away from NATO, nor has he said that he thinks NATO had no purpose to serve. He did not say those things.
All of which leads us to conclude that, forgive me for expanding on this point, without being opposed to upholding this initiative –because it may be an advantage– we are sceptical of its efficiency, its usefulness. What is truly necesary is that the European Union settle doubts and contradictions it experiences constantly.
Thank you.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
17:49:00
Thank you, José María.
Dear colleagues, with the speech of Mr José María SÁNCHEZ GARCÍA, we have reached the end of the speakers list, a bit earlier than expected.
I'm going now to ask the rapporteur, Mr Zsolt NÉMETH, to reply. Dear Zsolt, you have 3 minutes.
Thank you very much, Mister President.
Dear colleagues,
Thank you very much for your contributions. Many of you have underlined the importance of strengthening the European unity.
I think that is a very important idea. Ms Yelyzaveta YASKO underlined this. We are at a moment when there are multiple reasons to take this very seriously and to give a thought to what European unity means for all of us.
Secondly, I would like to underline that when we are building up European unity, it is very important to treat each other on an equal footing. Those countries that have experienced negative treatment, double standards in the past years, especially by the treatment of Brussels, have been so inclined to participate in the European Political Community (EPC) for the only reason that they have experienced a kind of genuine equality in the framework of the EPC. I think we need to understand the message of that.
As I mentioned in my speech in Budapest, I've been able to participate in the EPC where enlightening speeches were given by presidents like Mr VUČIĆ and Mr ERDOĞAN.
Thirdly, I would like to mention that it is equally important to create opportunities for those meetings which otherwise would not happen. There are bilateral relations so tense that they don't even talk to each other. This process has proved that it has been an extremely opportune format to encourage this type of meeting, not to speak about the existing European tensions, which are there. We all know, not just in the Caucasus, but in the western Balkans and the corners surrounding Europe, what kind of relations require very fundamental attention on our side.
We all have experience with different types of reactions. The speech of the American Vice-President, Mr JD VANCE, in Munich. I think the most important message from the American Vice-President was that Europe should pay much more attention to itself, and I think the Council of Europe and with the convention system of the Council of Europe, we are the right organisation to do that.
Finally, colleagues, I think summits have a very special role in the life of the Council of Europe as well. We have experienced how important it was for us to organise the Fourth Summit. And I think it is high time to consider the possibility of organising the next one. These summits, according to the experience in the EPC, play a very unique role in creating the identity of European unity. I believe that the Council of Europe has to give a thought to what kind of content and in what kind of format we are going to organise our next summit.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
17:53:19
Thank you, Mister Németh.
I will now call the Chairperson of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy, Mr Bertrand BOUYX, to respond if he wants for 3 minutes.
France, ALDE, President of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy
17:53:33
Thank you, Mister Chairman and rapporteur.
Ladies and gentlemen,
On behalf of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy, I would like to thank Mr Zsolt NÉMETH for his work in presenting this excellent report.
I would also like to thank the colleagues who have just spoken for their comments on the debate.
This debate comes at a pivotal moment for our continent. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has profoundly altered the geopolitical landscape of Europe. Against this backdrop, the creation of the European Political Community, based on a proposal put forward by the President of the French Republic, bears witness to the determination of European leaders to strengthen dialogue and co-operation in the face of unprecedented common challenges.
Indeed, today more than ever, Europe must make its voice heard and decide its own path.
Indeed, today more than ever, Europe must demonstrate the vitality of multilateralism. Europe must set an example, on our continent, of ever more solid and resilient multilateralism.
The various institutions, organisations and discussion forums, such as the European Political Community, all have their place in this context. Their effectiveness must be maximised and their complementarity organised.
Our organisation, with its 75-year history and unique mandate, remains the essential guardian of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe. We must strongly reaffirm and promote our role, because the Council of Europe strengthens democratic security in Europe. It has unique instruments, the most sophisticated in the world.
At the same time, we must seize the opportunity to develop constructive synergies with the European Political Community. Our participation in the last two EPC summits is a step in the right direction.
We call for systematic Council of Europe participation in future summits, and for the Council of Europe to contribute to discussions that fall within its mandate. The Council of Europe must play a proactive role in discussions on the evolution of Europe's political architecture. Our unique expertise, notably on democratic security, and our support for Ukraine, particularly in ensuring Russian accountability, are valuable assets that we must put to good use.
In conclusion, let me reiterate that no entity can replace the Council of Europe. It is with this conviction that we must pursue our mission, while developing fruitful co-operation with the EPC and the other players in the European architecture, notably the European Union.
On behalf of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy, I wish to congratulate Mr Zsolt NÉMETH once again on his excellent work.
Thank you for your attention.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
17:56:40
Thank you, Mister Bouyx.
Dear colleagues, the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy has presented a draft resolution, to which no amendments have been tabled.
So, we will now proceed to vote on the draft resolution contained in Doc. 16128. I just want to remind you that a simple majority is required.
The vote is now open.
The vote is closed.
I call for the result to be displayed.
The draft resolution in Doc. 16128 is obviously adopted.
Congratulations.
Dear colleagues,
The next item of business is the debate on the report titled “Strengthening relations between the Council of Europe and Latin America” (Doc. 16129) presented by Mr Antonio GUTIÉRREZ LIMONES on behalf of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy.
We will also have later an online statement by Mr Gerardo FERNÁNDEZ NOROÑA, President of the Senate of Mexico.
This debate will conclude by 8:00 p.m. to allow time for the reply and the vote.
I now call Mr GUTIÉRREZ LIMONES, the rapporteur, if he is ready to take the floor.
Dear Antonio, you have 7 minutes now, and 3 minutes at the end of the debate to reply.
Whenever you are ready you can take the floor.
We cannot hear you. Can you press the button?
Dear President, thank you. I am going to speak in Spanish.
First and foremost, allow me to extend thanks to the online presence of the President of the Mexican Senate, Gerardo FERNÁNDEZ NOROÑA. I also wish to underscore the very key role played by Mexico here for more than 25 years through relations between the Council of Europe and this Assembly.
Europe and Latin America share five centuries of history. It's a history of languages, cultures, traditions and common ideas. Furthermore, it is a history that has been marked by migration, fusion, trade routes and close political relations across the Atlantic Ocean.
Europe and Latin America, furthermore, share the same values as the ones that the Council of Europe have been defending since 1949: the universal nature of human rights, the indispensable nature of democracy, as well as the primacy of the rule of law, which must prevail over force. These links are absolutely essential, particularly as we face dramatic changes – geopolitically speaking – and global challenges that we face, for instance, threats to security, threats to global peace, the environmental crisis, climate change, also growing socio-economic inequalities and the development of new technologies and artificial intelligence.
It is precisely because we start off from the bedrock of common values that we are able to develop our resilience and develop robust democracies in our regions. This is the biggest challenge for the 21st century, and Latin America is quite clearly the natural ally of Europe to face such.
In order to achieve this, we need political dialogue, parliamentary diplomacy, over and beyond any kind of ideological differences and national interest; we will need these tools in order to build mechanisms for effective communication between bodies and between countries in both regions. And in that sense, the Council of Europe has a privileged position to strengthen these links of co-operation between the continent of Europe and the continent of Latin America.
The organisation, in fact, institutionalised these relations, establishing contacts with other bodies and other regional institutions in Latin America. For instance, in 2011, we signed a memorandum of understanding with the Organization of American States (OAS) and in the last few years, we have also been developing dialogue and co-operation activities with the Ibero-American System as well as its sectoral organisations.
Furthermore, the European Court of Human Rights, together with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the African Court of Human and Peoples' Rights, adopted the Declaration of San José in 2018, thereby establishing a permanent forum for institutional dialogue.
Furthermore, the Venice Commission has played a fundamental role since 2002. Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica and Peru have joined the Venice Commission and are fully fledged members. Argentina and Uruguay are currently observer states. In 2008, our Assembly signed an agreement of co-operation between the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament, the Parlatino. There was a debate, and there will be a vote today, and it is an opportunity for us to really kickstart this agreement.
In December of last year, I visited the Parlatino and took part in its 38th ordinary session. It was a great honour to be able to address the plenary session, to meet with the President, the Secretary General of the Parlatino and also parliamentarians from many different countries of the region. All of them confirmed that they were very much interested in returning to this agreement, and they all emphasised the importance of having relations between these two assemblies, which will help us strengthen our democratic institutions on both continents.
That mission was a first step in the right direction. We all need to move forward together, and therefore I would like to seek active participation with the representation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Parlatino in the following plenary meetings at whatever regularity you deem is advisable in order to foster our relations. Also, between committees that have common interests.
But it is not just about national organisations, the Council of Europe also has bilateral relations with a number of Latin American countries. As I indicated already, since 1999, Mexico has been an observer state with the Council of Europe, and our Parliamentary Assembly is very blessed to have its very valuable contribution and participation in this Assembly. It strengthens our ties, and it also means that Mexico can act as an ambassador of the Council of Europe in the region of Latin America. It could be an inspiration for other countries, for their national assemblies, and perhaps they too would like to join us in our values.
We need to strengthen these bilateral relations with the countries of Latin America, bring them closer to the work that is being done by the different bodies of the Council of Europe, allowing them to participate in enlarged partial agreements of our organisation, because these enlarged partial agreements are open to non-member states. And therefore, I would like to extend an invitation to all of them to do so.
Furthermore, this Assembly, based on the Reykjavík Declaration, should also invite the Committee of Ministers to continue to strengthen the relations between the Council of Europe and multilateral organisations in Latin America, in particular here I would mention the OAS and I would mention the Ibero-American System. We should have high-level meetings, sectoral meetings, have technical co-operation activities, and we could also exchange knowledge and organise events together. All this to pursue multilateralism and promote international law. Protect, also, human rights, combat the backsliding of our democracies and also promoting the principles of the rule of law.
I also wanted to make it clear to you that I tried to draft my report in as balanced a way as possible. I analysed the various international organisations and the different countries of the region with which the Council of Europe has relations. And I also looked at the potential when it comes to strengthening these relations.
Now, at this stage, to add to the resolution a number of points that refer to the political situation in specific Latin American countries, bearing in mind that that particular situation has not been analysed exhaustively in the explicative memorandum, to do so now would actually be to change the very nature of my report, making it unnecessarily complicated and it would also, I think, go against its very logic.
That said, I would like to thank all those who have submitted comments to my report. I think that these issues concerning specific countries could more usefully be dealt with in joint meetings with parliamentary representatives of those countries, and maybe we could organise this with the help of Parlatino soon.
I come to my conclusion. The region of Latin America is essential for the attraction of the Council of Europe, for its outreach to countries beyond the borders of the European continent. Today, more than ever, we need to be partners, we need to share a vision, and we need to devote ourselves to the protection of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Thank you.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
18:06:08
Thank you, Antonio.
Dear colleagues, I open now the list on behalf of political groups and I call first the co-chair of the Group of the Unified European Left, Ms Laura CASTEL.
Laura.
Thank you very much, President.
First of all, I would like to congratulate our rapporteur, Mr Antonio GUTIÉRREZ LIMONES. This is a very important item you have managed to get on to the agenda of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Obviously there are links between Latin America and Europe which find expression in our values and shared interests. It is important and positive that we develop those links, particularly in the dark times in which we live. We are seeing autocracies on the rise, as well as illiberal regimes and threats to democracies, showing the need for this kind of co-operation more than ever before between countries that share the same values. That is why we endorse the resolution and recommendation contained in the report. We would also like to take the opportunity to say to the president of this Assembly that he should formalise invitations to the president of Mexico and President Luiz DA SILVA to take part in the next Parliamentary Assembly, to try and strengthen relations between our different entities.
In the case of Mexico, it has been an observational member of this organisation for over 25 years and with which we share various different important international treaties. Right now, it is undergoing an historical moment of transformation, not only politically, constitutionally and societally, but also in terms of feminism. That is why we would like to commend Mexico on formalising its accession to the Istanbul Convention, a convention that is open to all states, even ones outside the Council of Europe. Mexico really is at the vanguard of all our brothers and sisters in Latin America, it is truly inspirational for all of us.
I think at a time at which multilateral and diplomatic forums are under threat, and illiberal forces are on the rise, it is precisely the time to be strengthening our international relations to try and resolve conflicts. Moreover, I would suggest that the Assembly also explore other ways of expanding these kind of instruments to other parts of the world, and perhaps reach out to the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CLAC).
Many thanks once again, Antonio.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
18:09:00
Thank you, dear Laura.
Of course, thanks for your proposal, and you know that I will consider it.
I'm really glad that the President, the speaker of the Mexican Parliament, accepted not only to speak to us together, but to be with us 3 weeks ago in the Speaker's Conference, and he addressed the Speaker's Conference.
So, we're creating, and we are improving the relations.
Since you are a member of the Presidential Committee, I will be waiting for your concrete proposals.
Now I give the floor to Ms Luz MARTINEZ SEIJO from the Socialists, Democrats and Greens Group.
Spain, SOC, Spokesperson for the group
18:09:35
Thank you, President.
Today we are discussing here the strengthening of relations between the Council of Europe and Latin America. It is so essential. We live in an interconnected world, and that is why it is so important for us to strengthen our links with those regions that share our fundamental values: human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
Therefore, my political group supports you fully, Mr Antonio GUTIÉRREZ LIMONES.
Europe and Latin America have a shared history of more than five centuries. This history really has shaped our culture, politics and economies, and has promoted exchanges of ideas, traditions and so on and so forth. With some exceptions,the countries and organisations in Latin America share the same fundamental values that are at the core of the Council of Europe: the universal nature of human rights, the irreplaceable nature of democracy, as well as the primacy of the rule of law, which must prevail over the law of the mighty.
In addition to that, the Council of Europe has bilateral relations with a number of Latin American countries. Mexico, in particular, has enjoyed observer status in the Council of Europe since 1999 and has been an active member in promoting the values of the Council of Europe.
In the current geopolitical situation, our links, between Europe and Latin America, are particularly outstanding. International law is in peril, and therefore, new challenges emerge, which require an international joint response, based on multilateralism and co-operation. I refer here to geopolitical conflicts, threats to international security, to climate change, as well as environmental deterioration, the energy transition, natural resource management, mass migration, health risks, and the use of artificial intelligence, and so on. For all of these reasons, we need alliances in order to face these economic and war threats that we are facing, given the protectionism of the United States of America and China on one hand and Russia on the other.
The European Union is responding with strategies to ramp up the competitiveness of its companies in public contracting. This involves measures to attract highly-skilled workers and improve education and ongoing training. This a new situation creates the need for us to shape a different international order based on new rules, and that is precisely why we need to strengthen our relations with the relevant multilateral institutions in Latin America – the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Ibero-American System, in particular, though high-level meetings, sectoral agreements, technical co-operation activities, exchange of experience and events together, etc.
We must promote and protect human rights, stop the backsliding of democracy, promote the principles of the rule of law, and deal with the impact of pollution, climate change, and loss of biodiversity, in short promoting the standards of the Council of Europe. This requires encouraging the accession to agreements and conventions open to non-member states of the Council of Europe.
Now more than ever, we need to strengthen our ties with regions that share the same values, which is why Latin America should be considered as a natural ally.
Thank you very much.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
18:12:46
Thank you, Luz.
Mr Georgios STAMATIS on behalf of the Group of the European People's Party is next.
Greece, EPP/CD, Spokesperson for the group
18:12:53
Thank you, Mister President.
Unfortunately, I don't know how to speak Spanish.
But I would like to congratulate Mr Antonio GUTIÉRREZ LIMONES for a very good job, because from this report he gave us the opportunity here in the Council of Europe to see the future, to see our future and of course to see the future with co-operation with other countries, not only with Latin America.
This report is a roadmap and for the other relations for other countries, for East Asia, Central Asia, and African countries. And this is very good for our values, for our democracy, especially in this period, because we all know what happened in the world.
Dear colleagues, Europe and Latin America, they are rooted in five centuries of shared history, cultural exchange, and many same things in our culture. But even more importantly, we are bound today by common values that are held by the Council of Europe: the universality of human rights and the nature of democracy.
In times like these, when democracy backslides in many parts of the world and then global changes, as colleagues say, climate change, AI, migrations, health issues, pandemics, we need solutions and we need corporations.
We all know what happened in Latin America some decades before. Dictatorships, dictatorships and not democracy. And now we have these countries to fight, to fight for democracy, to fight to come in us like Mexico, in our values.
And I think on behalf of Group of the European People's Party, we have to encourage for more co-operation.
We believe in this report and I think it's the future. Because if we don't co-operate with countries from Latin America as observer of Mexico, it's very difficult to understand each other for new challenges. And with the new challenges, not only the pandemic about migration or refugees, but the economical war. But in the heart of all this there is democracy, democracy, and democracy. And I think in this co-operation with this report, with Latin America, our values are more strength to the people of Latin America.
I would like once again to congratulate Mr Antonio GUTIÉRREZ LIMONES, who is a great colleague, he belongs to socialists, and from this report he showed us not only the roadmap about the co-operation, he showed us the future of our relations. We are in the heart of Europe, we are in Europe, but Europe cannot take the next step in the century without co-operation with the countries of Latin America. Because we have the same history, language, philosophy, and democracy.
And I think it's a very good opportunity, dear president, in your days, to open the Council of Europe to more countries in the world.
Thank you.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
18:16:12
Thank you, Georgios.
Mr Markus WIECHEL on behalf of the European Conservatives, Patriots & Affiliates.
Sweden, ECPA, Spokesperson for the group
18:16:18
It's an honour for me to address you on behalf of my group on the highly topical subject of Council of Europe, Latin American Relations, and our joint wish to see them strengthened further.
In doing so, we have a long shared history on which we build, as our rapporteur points out in his report.
To this should be added our linguistically and culturally connected two countries, in the form of Spanish and Portuguese, which never ceases to add dynamism and context across the Atlantic.
We currently witness a critical juncture in Latin America, a region with profound ties to our world, rich in culture and potential, yet currently facing significant challenges that demand our immediate attention and action.
In the heart of this discussion is the alarming situation in countries such as Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba, who have all suffered severely from totalitarian socialism.
These countries, once hopeful with dreams for a prosperous and democratic future, are now mired in political and economic crises that threaten the very principles of democracy and freedom.
Venezuela, once one of the most prosperous nations in Latin America, is now grappling with a devastating economic collapse, food shortages, and severe political repression. Millions have fled the country, creating one of the largest migration crises in the world.
In Nicaragua, democratic institutions are under siege. The government has intensified its repressive measures against opposition and civil society, stifling the voices of those who seek change.
Meanwhile, in Cuba, despite claims of political reform, the regime continues and even increases to curtail freedoms, suppressing dissidents, and impending the hopes for democratic transition.
While speaking about Cuba, I must add that it is, to say the least, hypocrisy as Europeans claiming to support the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) between the European Union and Cuba and at the same time claim to support democracy and fundamental freedoms and human rights. But that is a completely different story.
What we must also raise is a growing Chinese influence in this region. Through strategic investments and political engagement, China has increased its foothold, at times sidelining the democratic aspirations of the people. China's involvement in infrastructure and economic development raises questions about the long term implications.
The Western world, anchored in democratic values and human rights, cannot remain passive. We must step up our diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian efforts to support Latin American nations in safeguarding their autonomy and democratic process.
This means fostering stronger ties, promoting transparent investments, and ensuring that international support aligns with the aspirations of the people for freedom and democracy.
In conclusion, there are, of course, a couple of good examples of what could be achieved, and I must raise two of these.
Firstly, the progress made in the fight against crime in El Salvador. Thanks to radical measures against gangs, the number of murders in the country decreased by 50%.
The other is Argentina. Of course, I'm speaking about the government, which achieved what many considered a miracle in terms of cutting down inflation and stabilising the economy.
Thank you, Mister President.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
18:19:55
Baroness Sal BRINTON on behalf of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe.
United Kingdom, ALDE, Spokesperson for the group
18:20:00
Mister President,
Europe’s historic relationship with Latin America means we share many common bonds: cultural, economic as well as political. And I should state I am the Chair of the Human Rights Committee at Liberal International, and last December met up with our Liberal Democratic sister parties from across Latin America at our congress in Chile.
They reinforced to us the strength of those ties too, urging ALDE member parties to help develop and encourage stronger links on key values such as human rights.
Our Venezuelan colleagues told us in Santiago of how Nicolás MADURO stole the election from Edmundo GONZÁLEZ, has banned our sister María Corina MACHADO and other from standing, is imprisoning others, and some politicians are now disappearing.
They are a shining example of standing up for democracy.
Dear friends, this resolution understandably focuses on the present time and recent past, but I think we should also remind ourselves of a longer historical relationship.
In Great Britain in 1826 George Canning, then Foreign Secretary, as the independence movements first developed in Latin America, called those new democracies “the New World called into existence, to redress the balance of the Old”.
And it wasn’t just Britain. From across historic and cultural relationships across Europe trading patterns developed, people with particular skills and interests moved to Latin America, and businesses traded in both directions.
One area of that is that of energy. Many European energy businesses have interests in Latin America, with the mining of fossil fuels now beginning to be replaced with renewable energies. And Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico are leading the way. Solar and wind power is a game changer.
We should develop stronger links in these areas because we need to learn from these countries how to install them at volume and at pace, saving money, reducing carbon consumption and pollution.
Our Latin American colleagues did raise a note of caution, though. China is South America’s top trading partner and is investing extremely large amounts of money in infrastructure through its Belt and Road Initiative, which is changing the soft power dynamics.
China is funding and assisting the building of a new railway system in Chile, and wants to open a Chinese subsidiary port in the deep south of Argentina.
President Donald TRUMP’s actions over the last few weeks have, I believe, re-set the rest of the world’s attitudes about global relations and values and trust. We are now being handed an opportunity to work together to the benefit of us all in a new world.
We should support Mr Antonio GUTIÉRREZ LIMONES' report, the agreements and actions in the resolution, increase activity in social, cultural, and business activities and move swiftly to make it a reality.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
18:23:03
Thank you, Baroness Brinton.
Dear colleagues, we will now be connected with the President of the Senate of Mexico, Mr Gerardo FERNÁNDEZ NOROÑA, whom I welcome once again, dear Gerardo, in this Assembly, though from a distance this time and while waiting for your speech, we would like you to address now to our Assembly.
You have the floor.
President of the Senate of Mexico
18:23:32
Thank you very much, indeed, President of the Council of Europe, Mr Theodoros ROUSOPOULOS. Thank you for your kind invitation to address the Council of Europe. It is a great honour for me and a privilege. I would have liked to have been there in person, or you could say face to face, but I was there recently in the meeting of Presidents of Parliaments, there in Strasbourg, in the Council of Europe.
Yesterday, our President, Claudia SHEINBAUM PARDO, in the meeting with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the CLAC, gave an extraordinary address, and I actually thought that it was very much in sync with the topics that the Council of Europe is addressing today. And therefore, if I may, I would like to refer to three paragraphs from her speech.
"I invite CLAC – the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States – to attend a summit for economic well-being in Latin America and the Caribbean region to facilitate better integration in the region based on shared prosperity and based on respect for our sovereignty."
I feel like this idea applies to our rapprochement with the European Union, of course, the United States, China, Russia and the rest of the world. We need to have economic integration that gives prosperity to our populations and our relations, and there needs to be respect for our sovereignty.
Furthermore, as I stated earlier, in my intervention, the President of Mexico is a fundamental driving force. She rejects racism, classism, violations of human rights and the criminalisation of our brothers and sisters from our continent, who for whatever reason, have had to migrate to the north of the continent.
Furthermore, we must make a clear statement rejecting – as Mexico historically has – sanctions and commercial embargoes that actually damage the well-being of people and do not construct regions of peace and prosperity. No to the embargo on Cuba; no to the embargo on Venezuela. I think that statement too is very important because in our relations with Europe, it is very important to understand what our population and nations are going through. There is stigmatisation, for instance, vis-à-vis the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; Cuba has already experienced 74 years of an unacceptable, criminal, inhumane and brutal economic embargo. Very often, with concerns under the banner of human rights and democratic processes, intervention has been made or processes of our people and nations have been discredited.
Mexico too, and this wasn't so much the Council of Europe, but the European Parliament, when we were exercising our sovereignty by deciding a legislation on electrical energy, and therefore, putting order on private investment, foreign investment, in particular. On this subject, the European Parliament raised its concerns on breaches of human rights and murdered journalists in Mexico, which unfortunately do still happen. But it was barely behind us that the legislation would not be put into force, and they stopped being concerned about the integrity and safety of those who inform in our country.
Let me rephrase this: we should have a relationship based on respect and honesty, a relationship in which the principles we put forward are applied in all circumstances and all situations. For instance, the 15 Palestinian paramedics were just assassinated by the state of Israel, and humanity as a whole should really condemn this. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be what has happened. Pardon my ignorance, but I don't know what the Council of Europe has done with regard to this particular incident.
With that as a backdrop, allow me to make a humble suggestion: the document that you're currently discussing here in the plenary, and also referring back to the statement of our President, Claudia SHEINBAUM PARDO, I think they are completely in sync: human rights, democracy, the environment, equality, development of humanity, and we would also include in that the fight against homophobia, racism, classism, etc.; the eradication of all types of misogyny.
You're here insisting on, and I respect that, relations with the Organization of American States. In our case, we do not consider or respect this organisation, as it has been a constant instrument of interference by the government of the United States of America. So I think the Council of Europe should be cautious, and I think you should consider the possibility of a direct relationship with CLAC. I think it would be better to have a deeper exchange on topics that we share, our dreams, objectives and concerns, and mantain this communication efficiently and honestly.
So, right now, there is concern around the world regarding, for instance, trade tariffs imposed by the United States of America, vis-à-vis Europe. I know there has now been a pause for 90 days. I don't know whether that holds true for Europe as well, but there is basically a trade war unfolding between the United States of America and China. I think China has put 84% tariffs on the United States, and the United States has placed 125% on China. And this can have a very negative impact on our peoples and on our economies. We are convinced that a dialogue, communication, co-operation and collaboration would be preferable to this. It takes two to fight, and if the government of the United States wants to fight, it doesn't need to find in any of us an antagonist. We need to find a way to ensure that they respect our independence, our sovereignty, our people, our points of view, and we find common ground to focus on humanity in harmony with life and the planet.
These would be some of my reflections that I wanted to share with you on this occasion. And once again, allow me to extend my deepest and warmest thanks for your kind invitation. It has been a great opportunity for me to share these thoughts with you. To share our vision and to share also, our commitment.
Today, 10 April, it has been 106 years since the assassination of a great Mexican revolutionary, Emiliano Zapata, who fought for the most vulnerable, the poorest. His slogan was "land and freedom".
I would like to wish a long life to Emiliano Zapata and a long life to a Council of Europe that is democratic, committed, sensitive, humanistic and a friend to all the peoples of the world, respecting our differences, our sensibilities and our dreams for transformation.
I send you a warm greeting and thank you once again for your attention.
Greece, EPP/CD, President of the Assembly
18:31:30
Dear President of the Senate of Mexico, dear Gerardo, thank you so much.
Thank you for your warm speech that rightly pointed out the relationship should be based on respect.
Dear colleagues, we go on now with our colleague Mr Francesco VERDUCCI.
Francesco, you have the floor.
Thank you, President.
President, colleagues,
First of all, I want to thank Speaker Antonio GUTIÉRREZ LIMONES, for wanting this resolution. And I want to thank the President of the Mexican Senate Mr Gerardo FERNÁNDEZ NOROÑA, for sealing with his presence and with important words this act, which has first of all, from my point of view, a political value. And that is what I want to emphasise here.
There is a very close connection between the crisis of democracy and the crisis of multilateralism.
The sovereignist, nationalist and populist forces that want to unhinge democratic achievements are the same ones that want to dismantle the construction of multilateralism.
But we must reaffirm and demonstrate that the crisis of democracy is answered with more democracy, not less with less, with a renewed democracy that does not betray the demand for emancipation and justice that comes from society and the new generations. And on this, many answers with great democratic vitalism come precisely from Latin America.
Likewise, in the face of the crisis of multilateralism, the only solution is more multilateralism, not less. In the new forms of a just globalisation, correcting the distortions of these decades.
And this act, which tightens relations between the Council of Europe and Latin America goes in this direction, strengthens democracy and multilateralism at a crucial historical turning point.
Nationalism, walls, trade and cultural tariffs cause war.
Co-operation, dialogue, the idea of a world where it is not force but law that wins, create the conditions for peace.
And we need to know where we stand in history. And not turn back from what has been won.
International law, humanitarian law, democracy, multilateralism.
We must put these words back at the center, at the heart of a political initiative and at the heart of new political ideals capable of re-engaging consciences.
President, we must give strength to the instrument of parliamentary diplomacy.
I know how valuable it is, precisely because of the role I play in the Interparliamentary Union between Italy and Mexico. I know how much it helps to build unbreakable bonds. And I know how great is the potential of the bond that unites our peoples and our continents.
Europe and Latin America share universal values of fighting inequality and discrimination, of inclusion and solidarity.
We must learn from our mistakes, and not let the world fall into a destructive, vicious, authoritarian regression.
Thank you, colleagues.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
18:35:10
Thank you for your contribution.
Mister Robles, you have the floor.
Thank you, Madam President.
First of all, I would like to underline just how timely this report is. It gives us the opportunity to enter into debate to address a whole series of important matters about inter-continental relations linking partners on both sides of the Atlantic.
In the past, there have been relations between the Council and the Assembly but this report focuses on relaunching these relations so that they don't become routine in line with signed agreements, but which actually gives us the opportunity now to organise an agenda based on agreement on both sides to address all of our shared concerns.
As we've heard, and I repeat it, whenever you travel to Latin America, you realise how much we have in common, both in terms of language, but as well as culture and tradition. There are lots of things that unite us.
At the same time, however, when we are in international meetings, we become aware of the enormous problems we share. We heard the President of the Senate from Mexico, and we are aware of the problems that Mexico faces in terms of immigration.
This week in the Council of Europe, we have been talking a lot about immigration. We have also been talking about issues pertaining, for example, to foreign interference in elections. So those things also happen over there, as well as here, so they are things we have in common. Facing these shared problems, we have shared concerns, and we also have shared values.
The most important thing for us is to continue on the path of co-operation. We are currently facing a stage where many people are erecting walls, including some of our long-standing friends and allies, people with whom we shared a lot. And suddenly we find ourselves wondering what's going on in their heads. They receive our allies and leaders and humiliate them in public. I really don't think that the solution. The solution is not to humiliate people in public, not to create barriers or put up walls. The solution is to create bridges. It is to sit and talk about the issues that divide us.
I was a member of the Spanish Government for many years, and I was actively involved in the fight against drug trafficking. I know just how important it is to work with the other side of the Atlantic. It's important to co-operate with Mexico, Colombia, and so on, because it puts us on common ground. Here in the Council of Europe, we have the Pompidou Group, which has been working specifically on the whole question of drugs for years, and they're aware just how important it is to continue co-operation.
That's why we should be doing is not moving towards more nationalism, more navel-gazing, we should be moving towards more co-operation, more multilateralism, more common bridges. That is what the report says. The report stresses the concern and makes us realise that however big Europe might be, the world has much bigger borders. Everything has an international dimension. We saw this with the pandemic. We see it with immigration, with drug trafficking, foreign interference in our elections.
Therefore, what we have to do is co-operate, meet with each other, create links, and it is important that we have debates such as this. This recommendation will go to the Committee of Ministers and will provide the basis, I hope, of a more structured agenda to reach a deeper and more structured dialogue with Latin America.
Of course, I would like to congratulate Mr Antonio GUTIÉRREZ LIMONES for this excellent report that has enabled us to bring the debate here this afternoon.
Many thanks.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
18:38:36
Thank you for your contribution.
Mister Ramírez, you have the floor.
Thank you.
Good afternoon Madam President,
Honourable members,
Its a great honour for me to address you this afternoon regarding the need to strengthen links between Latin America and Europe. These are two world regions linked by a shared history, common democratic values, and a shared vision of a more equitable, more peaceful world. I would like to thank our colleague Mr Antonio GUTIÉRREZ LIMONES for the report he is presenting today.
Today's world is overshadowed by authoritarianism and polarisation, threatening our institutions. It's more important than ever that we co-operate. We have to work together to defend democracy, access to justice, and the consolidation of transparent and efficient institutions.
We have to ensure that the idea of democracy also limits the power of the state, the power of law, as a necessary condition for access to justice and institutional order as a system of checks and balances that favour the proper functioning of the government, the economy, or social harmony, without interference from the executive power or one single party or any ideology taking over.
The serious situation of violence committed by criminal groups in our country draws our attention when it comes to the role of the judiciary in the different parts of our country. One fundamental pillar of democratic life is precisely judicial power. Throughout the world, it is essential that we have independence in the judiciaries and a balance of powers. In Mexico we have a debate on elections for judges, magistrates, and ministers, and that has been subject to recent constitutional reform under real time pressure, the implementation of which is not fully clear and efficient.
Independence is key to ensure the rule of law is upheld, avoiding any executive intervention by the state or interest groups at the present time because of the increasing power of groups whose interests are contrary to those of our citizens and which clearly support different candidates.
Here the strong experience of the Council of the Europe in its powerful defence of judicial independence can act as a valuable reference. Co-operation in this area in which we can observe and learn from this friendly organisation can enable us to further improve our own institutions, thereby guaranteeing effective access to justice for all our citizens. On the other hand, we can't turn a blind eye to the humanitarian crisis, that from March 2018 to 2025, when over 70 000 people have disappeared in our country, according to official figures. The search for justice and truth for their familias is overdue.
European experience in the field of human rights, and search and repair mechanisms can be key to find effective solutions. Over its own recent history, Europe has shown that memory, truth and justice are essential so that citizens can indeed work together to build a life of peace. In this context, strengthening ongoing dialogue between Latin Amercia and the Council of Europe is not just an opportunity, it is also a necessity. We share values, we share challenges, and above all we share the conviction that co-operation and dialogue bring us closer together, make us stronger, and thereby enable us to improve the lives of our citizens.
Thank you very much.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
18:42:55
Thank you for your contribution.
Madam Nerea AHEDO, you have the floor.
Thank you, Madam President.
First of all, thank you Antonio for your report, and congratulations on the result.
The draft resolution, starts by saying that Europe and Latin America share multidimensional links. Thats quite true. But it's no less true that we have had quite difficult relations, where we have moved closer or further away from Latin America, always depending on the historical phase we are in, the priorities from both sides, or the different leadership in any of the different countries. However, we believe that our relationship must become much closer, it's important that we step up co-operation and to forge stronger links – a link that we understand to be a priority and strategic.
There are principles, values, shared interests which provide the basis for closer political, economic, social and cultural connections. Links which are rooted in the defence of human rights, fundamental values, democracy, peace, co-operation and social justice. Without forgetting, for example, the importance of climate change, water resources, or indigenous issues – something which hasn't been mentioned at all. I also don't think we should forget that this relationship with Latin America has a lot to do with the Latin American people living together with us in Europe.
Many of these connections have existed for quite some time. So, the Basque diaspora for example started going to Newfoundland to catch whales as early as the 14th century, but then we had to stop for economic reasons in some moments, and more unfortunately for political reasons later, both in the United States and in Latin America, just like other European peoples.
I think it's very important that we strengthen our alliances as is stated in the resolution both with multilateral organisations, like Parlatino, OAS, CELAC, and with different states or human rights courts. This is even more important at the present time when we have seen such a fundamental change in the nature of international relations due to events such as the new President of the United States.
I would like to end by saying that I sincerely hope our relationship, our co-operation, our alliances, will remain strong. And we should never forget the important role that is played by sub-state bodies, in other words, local and regional authorities.
I would like to wind up just by congratulating Mr Antonio GUTIÉRREZ LIMONES once again for this really excellent report.
Thank you.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
18:45:37
Thank you for your intervention.
Lord Leslie GRIFFITHS, you have the floor.
Thank you, Madam President.
And let me express my delight at the fact that this dimension, the relationship with Latin America, is being explored in this debate.
Since I lived for quite a lot of my life in the Caribbean and have travelled through Latin America, I'm also delighted to have the Head of the Senate actually speak to us, a Mexican voice when we speak about Latin America and our friend back there, too.
I hope that everybody in this chamber will continue when they open their atlases to see the Gulf of Mexico rather than the Gulf of America.
So let's hope for that, that we can do that with pleasure.
I want to use the short time at my disposal to make a plea.
The languages of Latin America are not just Spanish. It's been good to hear Spanish-speaking people in this debate. Or even Portuguese. English, yes, but also French. And Haiti, which is the country of my first love, is bang in the middle and ignored by everybody. And I have to say too that in 1991, and I was so pleased that the Head of the Senate mentioned this, the Organization of American States played a disastrous bad, foul mouthed relationship with the only democratically elected President of Haiti in living memory, Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE, was ousted from office after 6 months in office and after all the OAS countries in Chile had promised that if there was a military junta replacing a democratically elected government in any one of their countries, they'd come to help.
They did nothing. Instrumentalised by the United States. That's what the president of the Senate said.
And therefore I would urge people to have a critical relationship with the bodies who represent Latin America. The OAS more than once has shown that it is at the disposal of those further north.
So Haiti, which is in a total mess at the moment, where I'm working quite hard to try to get one or two things to happen, needs the support of the Council of Europe.
And of course I've never had a chance to say that until this debate, but it would be so good, especially since one of our number, namely France, imposed on Haiti in 1825 an indemnity which it went on paying back for 150 years and led to its total impoverishment 200 years ago.
I'll be in Paris for a symposium before very long examining all of this.
So, lots of things I could say, but I don't want to fall foul of your judgment from the chair. And so I'll desist. And I hope people have heard my plea.
Haiti exists. It's in a mess. Please, let it benefit from all that we're talking about right now.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
18:49:03
Thank you for your contribution.
Madam Elisabetta GARDINI, you have the floor.
Have you inserted the card? Yes?
Now.
Okay, yes.
Thank you, Chairman.
Dear colleagues,
I have had the honour, in past years, of chairing, on the European side, the Association of Euro-Latin American Women, and so I can personally testify to how extraordinary the contribution of Latin American women is precisely to the promotion of democracy, freedom and human rights in their countries.
A commitment often carried out under conditions of great personal risk, but with a determination and courage that deserve not only our respect, but also full and unambiguous recognition.
For this reason, I do not understand and find sincerely disappointing, the choice to water down the reference to María Corina MACHADO in one of the amendments to this text. We are talking about a woman who had the strength to oppose an authoritarian regime, who suffered persecution, threats, and political exclusions, and who today represents a symbol of democratic resistance in Venezuela and around the world. If we cannot even openly say that María Corina MACHADO is fighting against a dictatorship, then we have to ask ourselves what about our coherence. Moreover, I want to mention here, that last year she received not only the Václav Havel Prize but also the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought from the European Parliament.
It is equally serious, let me point out, that the amendments tabled by the People's Party group were sub-amended not to mention clearly the dramatic condition of Venezuela under the Nicolás MADURO regime. Yet, the facts speak for themselves: humanitarian crisis, economic collapse, political repression, millions forced into exile.
I recall that Venezuela was suspended from MERCOSUR back in 2016, with suspension made permanent in 2017 due to the breakdown of the democratic order. I could mention other things, but I will stop here.
So, strengthening ties between the Council of Europe and Latin America is a noble goal, which we share, but it cannot translate into a diplomatic balancing act that forgets those who fight every day for those values we say we want to promote. If we want to be credible, we must have the courage of words.
That is why, dear colleagues, while voting in favour, because I am in favour, indeed, of the friendship and the relationship between the Council of Europe and Latin America, I cannot, however, hide all my regret for a missed opportunity. Missed badly, I must say.
It is the double standard that we see in this house, because in order not to mention by name the worst dictatorship in the world, we see moreover that so many other countries are mentioned by name, surname, address, and telephone number when it might as well not be done.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
18:52:39
Thank you for your contribution.
Ms Heike ENGELHARDT, you have the floor.
"Thank you very much, Madam President" [in French].
Dear colleagues, [in English]
I will continue in German. Bringing Latin America into focus is an important task and our noble duty. I would like to thank the rapporteur, Mr Antonio GUTIÉRREZ LIMONES, for his insightful and comprehensive presentation.
Strengthening relations between the Council of Europe and Latin America is important, because it is true that, with a few exceptions, we share the same values: respect for human rights, the rule of law and democracy. It is important that we strengthen these relations, because there are certainly tasks that we need to solve together.
At this point, I would particularly like to mention a common drugs policy that is geared towards human rights and environmental protection. A drugs policy that combats both terrorist conflicts in the producing countries and the dramatic consequences for the families affected: land theft, enforced disappearances, poverty, livelihood hardship, prostitution and violence that often ends in femicide.
As the Council of Europe, we already have several co-operation agreements with Latin America, with the Parlatino and with the Organization of American States. Mexico enjoys observer status in our Assembly and its colleagues enrich our debates with valuable contributions. The European Court of Human Rights is in constant exchange with the Inter-American and African Courts of Human and Peoples' Rights.
The value of a society is also measured by how it treats the weakest and most vulnerable in its ranks. We are witnessing this. For example, violence against women is on the rise worldwide. If we want to effectively counter structural and sexual violence against women, we need a change of perspective. Last week, Colombia passed a law to protect female politicians from all forms of violence. In this way, the Andean country is enabling greater gender parity, allowing more women to choose to become politically active and to do so free from fear of violence.
It is to be hoped that we will also hear about these experiences in the Council of Europe, that more female politicians from other Latin American countries will be able to raise their voices here so that we can learn from them how we can also make our European societies better and fairer.
Let's strengthen this co-operation. Adelante! Good luck and good luck, again. Thank you.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
18:55:30
Thank you for your contribution.
Madam Estrela, you have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Chairman.
Dear colleagues,
I congratulate the rapporteur on the quality of his report. Thank you very much, Antonio. I'll continue in French because it's not appropriate to speak in Portuñol. ["Felicito al ponente por la calidad de su informe. Muchas gracias, Antonio. Continuaré en franceis porque no es apropriado hablar portuñol."]
Strengthening relations between the Council of Europe and Latin America, in the current unstable global context, is both a challenge and an opportunity.
We live in a time of multiple crises. Climate change is not a distant threat, but a daily reality. The digital transition is both a challenge and a risk. Human rights are being undermined by the rise of authoritarianism. Democracy cannot be taken for granted. National defense must now include cyberattacks, disinformation, and the invisible front lines of artificial intelligence. This same artificial intelligence, if developed without ethics or governance, risks becoming an instrument of control rather than emancipation.
In a world fragmented by war, conflict, and uncertainty, the need for unity is more pressing than ever. But it's not just a question of a unity of interests. It's a unity of values.
Europe and Latin America share much more than trade agreements. We share a history of resistance and reconstruction, of putting human dignity first in our political choices. It's time to turn this common heritage into a common strategy.
I know Latin America well. During my ten years as a member of the European Parliament, I was always part of interparliamentary delegations with Latin American and Caribbean countries. The EuroLat Assembly was created at that time, and I chaired the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development.
I know that we can and must strengthen ties with these peoples, with whom some of our member states have special relations, such as my country, Portugal, and Spain, the country of the rapporteur.
We can start by promoting dialogue between parliamentarians from the Council of Europe and Latin America.
This would promote inter-parliamentary diplomacy and keep human rights violations under the spotlight.
We are separated by oceans, but face the same storms. We can remain united, not as allies of circumstance, but as strategic partners.
Many thanks to all of you.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
18:59:09
Thank you for your contribution.
Madam Khomenko, you have the floor.
Madam Khomenko?
We'll move on to Mr George LOUCAIDES.
You have the floor.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Dear colleagues, I warmly thank Mr Antonio GUTIÉRREZ LIMONES for this important report.
Today's discussion is not just about strengthening relations. It is about choosing the kind of internationalism we want to stand for.
Europe and Latin America are bound by deep cultural and historical ties, but these must be transformed into a relationship based on solidarity, justice, and respect.
For decades, the peoples of Latin America have fought with courage and dignity against exploitation, foreign domination, and oppression.
They have resisted brutal military dictatorships, neo-liberal shock policies, and devastating inequalities.
Let us not forget: many of these regimes were imposed or supported through foreign intervention.
The United States treated Latin America as its backyard, orchestrating coups, supporting right-wing dictatorships, and undermining democratically elected governments from Chile to Guatemala, from Brazil to Bolivia.
These were not abstract geopolitical events. They cost thousands of lives, destroyed democracies, and left lasting scars.
One glaring symbol of this unjust and imperial approach remains the inhumane embargo against Cuba. A decades-long blockade that has inflicted immense suffering on the Cuban people in blatant violation of international law and human rights.
Europe cannot turn a blind eye. We must not remain silent.
If we are serious about the Council of Europe's renewed external role following the Reykjavík summit, then our engagement with Latin America must break from the past. It must not be paternalistic, but rooted in mutual respect and shared values, the right to self determination, sovereignty, and social justice.
We must support the powerful social movements, progressive governments, and indigenous communities fighting for equality, land, labor rights, climate, justice, and democracy.
The security co-operation being discussed cannot be allowed to become a pretext for repression or militarisation. Real security comes only through dignity, equality and inclusive development.
In this framework, this Assembly must be a space where Latin American voices are heard, respected, and amplified.
Where co-operation means sharing tools for justice, not imposing models of control.
Let us build a new kind of relationship, one that stands with the people, not with the power.
Thank you.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
19:02:25
Thank you for your contribution.
Madam Olena KHOMENKO, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mister President.
I would like to begin, honourable members, by thanking the rapporteur for preparing this timely and important report.
Today's international co-operation is being tested. Alliances are shifting and the rules-based international order is increasingly under threat. It is more important than ever that we stand united and strengthen our ties with partners who share our commitment to international law, democracy, and human rights.
I fully support the report's call to deepen dialogue with Latin American countries and to encourage the accession to the Council of Europe in large partial agreements.
As you are aware, the process of establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine is advancing under the Council of Europe's leadership precisely within the framework of such an agreement.
This initiative is vital. It brings us closer to justice and so into closing the accountability gap for serious violations of international law.
The tribunal is essential to ensure that the Russian leadership and others responsible for war crimes in Ukraine face legal consequences.
But it is about more than individual responsibilities. It is about affirming that aggression must not go unpunished wherever it occurs. It is a matter of defending global principles we all hold dear: peace, the rule of law, and human dignity.
It is also important to understand that the war of aggression waged by the Russian Federation is not only European, but a global matter. Recent reports have emerged of foreign nationals, including Chinese citizens, being recruited to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.
Such developments highlight the complex international dimensions of the war and underscore the necessity for a unified and resolute response from the global community.
In this context, the participation of Latin American countries in the large partial agreement on the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression would help build a truly global coalition and sent a powerful signal that the world is united in standing against the illegal use of force and in upholding the foundations of a just international order.
And I would like to thank the rapporteur for accepting the respective amendment.
I will support this important report and I ask you all to do the same.
Thank you, dear colleagues.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
19:05:23
Thank you for your contribution.
That concludes the list of speakers.
I now call for the committee's reply.
Mister rapporteur, you have 3 minutes to reply to the speakers. Thank you.
Thank you Madam President, thank you dear Bernadeta.
I'd like to thank all the colleagues who spoke, and I'd like to thank them too for their contributions.
We all agree on the need to step-up our efforts when it comes to defending our values and promoting co-operation with other organisations, and supra-national entities. And this is what we are doing.
Dear colleagues, in the latest report on global democracy published by The Economist, only 6.6% of the global population live in democracy today. I repeat, 6.6%. That is half as many as in 2014. And only 71 countries can now be described as democratic. This means six less than 10 years ago. This goes to show the extent to which our democracy, rule of law, and human rights are in retreat.
This report underlines the need for us to enhance links with countries that share our values, and Latin America is undoubtedly our natural ally. I think the adoption of this resolution report will be a big step forward, because as was made clear during the Reykjavík Summit, we must unite our efforts, work together, because together not only are we greater in number, we are also stronger.
Gabriel García Márquez, the Colombian Nobel Prize winner, wrote a novel called "Love in the Time of Cholera". That is what this report is about. Love for our values in such difficult and complicated times.
I would like to wind up by thanking first of all our President Mr Theodoros ROUSOPOULOS, and our Secretary General Ms Despina CHATZIVASSILIOU for their support in this initiative. I'd also like to thank former president Mr Tiny Kox who went to Mexico and Washington to promote relations. I'd also like to thank Mr Cesare ONESTINI, Ms Sonia SIRTORI and the whole Secretariat team for their effort, work and enthusiasm. Finally, colleagues I'd like to thank each and every one of you for your support.
Thank you.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
19:07:54
Thank you for your contribution.
Mister Chairman, would you like to respond?
France, ALDE, Chairperson of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy
19:08:04
Thank you, Madam Chairman.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Mister rapporteur,
On behalf of the Political Affairs and Democracy Committee, I would like to thank Mr Antonio GUTIÉRREZ LIMONES for the excellent work he has done to complete his report.
I would also like to thank the President of the Mexican Senate, Mr Gerardo Rodolfo FERNÁNDEZ NOROÑA, for joining us online and for his speech.
Finally, I'd like to thank the colleagues who have just spoken for all the comments they have brought to the debate.
As we have heard, the links between Europe and Latin America are deep and multidimensional. The Council of Europe can play a unique role in defending the values shared by both regions, by serving as a platform for dialogue and exchange of views with international organisations and Latin American countries. In particular, our Parliamentary Assembly should reinvigorate the co-operation agreement signed in 2008 with the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament, also known as the "Parlatino". This will enable us to exchange views with our counterparts, the members of the Parlatino, on a range of subjects of common interest, from geopolitical tensions and respect for human rights to issues linked to climate change or the use of artificial intelligence and its possible repercussions on our democracies.
I warmly invite you all, dear colleagues, to support the resolution and recommendation contained in Mr GUTIÉRREZ's report, as they will give impetus to the strengthening of our beloved Organisation's relations with the Latin American continent.
Following the appeal made by our Heads of State and Government in Reykjavík, we must strengthen the Council of Europe's influence beyond our own continent. Latin America must be our top priority.
Finally, I would like to congratulate once again Mr GUTIÉRREZ LIMONES, on behalf of the Political Affairs and Democracy Committee, for his excellent work.
Thank you all for your attention.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
19:10:12
Thank you for your contribution.
The general discussion is closed.
The Political Affairs and Democracy Committee has presented a draft resolution to which six amendments and two sub-amendments have been tabled, and a draft recommendation to which one amendment has been tabled (Doc. 16129).
We begin our examination of the draft resolution.
I have been informed that the Chairman of the Political Affairs and Democracy Committee wishes to propose to the Assembly that Amendments 5 and 6 to the draft resolution, which were rejected by the Committee by a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, be considered as rejected by the Assembly.
Is this the case, Mister Chairman?
France, ALDE, Chairperson of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy
19:11:03
Yes, absolutely, Madam President.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
19:11:06
If no one objects, I consider these amendments definitively rejected.
If there is an objection, we'll have to check that it has the requisite support of 10 people.
Is there any objection?
I see no objection.
Amendments 5 and 6 to the draft resolution are therefore rejected and will not be called.
We now come to the discussion of the other amendments. They will be called in the order in which they apply to the text as published in the collection of amendments. I remind you that speaking time for each amendment is limited to 30 seconds.
Amendment 1 is the subject of a sub-amendment by the committee.
Mr Pablo HISPÁN has the floor. You have 30 seconds.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Just this amendment is to refer specifically the role of María Corina MACHADO who was awarded the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize by this Assembly. It is one of the links that we have with Latin America. And also remember that she was awarded because she fights against a dictatorship, the Venezuelan dictatorship.
So I think that it's very important to underline this issue.
Thank you very much.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
19:12:33
Thank you, Mister Pablo Hispán.
We now come to the sub-amendment.
Mr Antonio GUTIÉRREZ LIMONES has the floor to support it on behalf of the committee.
Madam President,
As I already expressed my position, the aim of this report is to set out a general framework for relations with the Latin American system and formations higher than the municipal level.
Referring to specific subjects and specific countries even though we do agree will be part of future people at task.
Therefore, I support the sub-amendment.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
19:13:12
Thank you for your contribution.
Does anyone wish to speak against the sub-amendment? Anyone?
What is your opinion, Mister HISPÁN, on the sub-amendment?
I maintain my amendment. Full.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
19:13:32
Thank you for your time.
Could you repeat what you said, please?
That I support my amendment, not the sub-amendment. The amendment that is stated. That's Amendment 1.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
19:13:53
It's a sub-amendment, Mister Hispán.
A sub-amendment to your amendment.
Well, the committee is in favour.
We'll now proceed to the vote on the sub-amendment.
The vote is open.
The vote is closed. I ask for the results to be displayed.
The sub-amendment is adopted.
We return to Amendment 1.
Does anyone wish to speak against the amendment? Anyone?
The committee has adopted this amendment as sub-amended.
We shall now proceed to the vote on the amendment.
The vote is open.
The vote is closed. I ask for the results to be displayed.
The amendment is adopted.
We now move on to Amendment 2, to which the committee has tabled a sub-amendment.
Mr Pablo HISPÁN has the floor to support Amendment 2.
You have 30 seconds.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Just to say that Latin America suffers the same threats and problems like Europe, polarisation, radicalism, and foreign interference, and, like it happened in Belarus, in Venezuela the dictatorship has not recognised the victory of the democratic opposition in the 2024 election.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
19:15:58
Thank you for your contribution.
We now come to the sub-amendment.
Mr Antonio GUTIÉRREZ LIMONES has the floor to support it on behalf of the Committee.
Thank you, Madam President.
For the reasons I quoted beforehand, we agree with the first part of this amendment, but we've tabled a sub-amendment so as not to refer to specific situations in specific countries.
What we have drafted is a resolution setting out a general framework, a general framework with nations as well as supernational organisations as part of the Latin American system.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
19:16:38
Thank you for your intervention.
Does anyone wish to speak against the sub-amendment? Anyone?
What is your opinion, Mister Hispán?
I prefer to maintain the amendment as it is.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
19:17:01
The committee is obviously in favour.
We shall now proceed to the vote on the sub-amendment.
The vote is open.
The vote is closed. I ask for the results to be displayed.
The sub-amendment is adopted.
We return to Amendment 2.
Does anyone wish to speak against the amendment? Anyone?
The committee has adopted this amendment as sub-amended.
We shall now proceed to the vote on the amendment.
The vote is open.
The vote is closed. I call for the results to be displayed.
Amendment 2 is adopted.
Mr Oleksii GONCHARENKO has the floor to support Amendment 7.
Does anyone else wish to support the amendment? Anyone?
What is the opinion of the committee?
France, ALDE, Chairperson of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy
19:18:34
The committee rejected this amendment, Madam President.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
19:18:40
Thank you for your attention.
We will now proceed to the vote on the amendment.
The vote is open.
The vote is closed. I call for the results to be displayed.
Amendment 7 is not adopted.
Mr Pablo HISPÁN now has the floor to support Amendment 3.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
It's an amendment about a paragraph in which the rapporteur praised Mexico.
Mexico, of course, is a very important country, but, as our colleague has stated before, there are problems also. A very important issue is the judicial system, that the reform has undermined the judicial system.
So this amendment also suggests that perhaps there could be a need to ask for opinion of the Venice Commission about the judicial system of Mexico.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
19:19:49
Thank you for your intervention.
Does anyone wish to speak against the amendment?
Yes, you have the floor.
Yes, we are against this amendment. Mister Hispán, you know that this is a general report, and it doesn't go into specific issues as it has been stated before.
So, there is no sense to interfere now with the judicial system in Mexico, which is something so specific from that country that we cannot accept it.
And you know that Mexico is an observer country, and I think there are other ways than stating in this general report the specific situation of the judicial system.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
19:20:31
Thank you for your contribution.
What is the opinion of the committee?
France, ALDE, Chairperson of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy
19:20:37
The committee rejected this amendment, Madam President.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
19:20:42
Thank you for your attention.
We will now proceed to the vote on the amendment.
The vote is open.
The vote is closed. I ask for the results to be displayed.
Amendment 3 is rejected.
We shall now proceed to vote on the draft resolution contained in Doc. 16129 (amended). A simple majority is required.
The ballot is opened.
The vote is closed. I ask for the results to be displayed.
The draft resolution is adopted.
We continue. We congratulate you. (Applause)
We now continue with the examination of the draft recommendation.
I give the floor to Ms Olena KHOMENKO to support Amendment 4.
You have the floor for 30 seconds.
Yes, dear colleagues, this amendment speaks for itself.
As soon as we are all aware that the Council of Europe has prepared the agreements, the treaties on special tribunals, we believe it is important that we will add and we will invite the countries of Latin America to join this agreement, as soon as the special tribunal is established.
Thank you, dear colleagues.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
19:22:31
Thank you for your intervention.
Does anyone wish to speak against the amendment? Anyone?
What is the opinion of the committee?
France, ALDE, Chairperson of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy
19:22:42
This was approved by the committee by a large majority, Madam President.
Andorra, ALDE, President of the Assembly
19:22:47
Thank you for your attention.
We will now proceed to the vote on the amendment.
The vote is open.
The vote is closed. I ask for the results to be displayed.
Amendment 4 is adopted.
We shall now proceed to vote on the draft recommendation contained in Doc. 16129 (amended).
I remind you that the majority required is two-thirds of the votes cast.
The vote is open.
The draft recommendation contained in Doc. 16129 is adopted.
We congratulate you. (Applause)
The next public session will take place tomorrow at 10 a.m., in accordance with the agenda for this part-session.
We wish you a pleasant evening.
